The ‘Go Live’ process
ECU will be upgrading from Blackboard 8.5 to Blackboard 9.1 over the period Monday 19 December 2011 through Monday 2 January 2012.
The Blackboard upgrade will provide enhancements to both staff and students using Blackboard through a much-improved interface. All features available in Blackboard 8.5 will remain available in Blackboard 9.1. Teaching staff should, however, be aware of the following important matters:
- During the transition period (between 19th December 2011 and 2nd January 2012), Blackboard will have limited functionality, and be periodically unavailable;
- All existing Blackboard units will be migrated to Blackboard 9.1;
- Unit developments should not be undertaken during the transition period as any changes made will not be migrated to the new version;
- Once Blackboard 9.1 'goes live' on 2 January 2012, Blackboard 8.5 will no longer be available; and
- The same links used to access Blackboard 8.5 will be used to access Blackboard 9.1.
For units on other learning management systems (such as Courseware in the School of Communication and Arts), there is no automated migration process. The following process is in place:
- The School-appointed Administration Officer collates information about units to be run on Blackboard 9.1 and enters the requests into CUOS (the system that interfaces with Blackboard to create sites).
- eLearning Assist staff (in CLD) check the requests and action them.
- The sites become active in Blackboard.
It is a School’s responsibility to initiate this process. Academic staff should check with their School Administration Officer to ensure that site creation is in progress for their units.
Staff training
The Centre for Learning & Development (CLD) has devised a range of modules to assist staff in the upgrade to Blackboard 9.1. An intensive schedule is planned for January and February in the lead up to Semester 1, 2012. A brief description of the modules is provided below, and you can download the January/February schedule on the right. Please enrol via the Staff Development Portal and follow the links through to the Staff Kiosk.
Making the Move to Blackboard 9.1
This overview module introduces you to the new 9.1 environment and will enable you to perform basic functions like uploading content, sending announcements and customising and manipulating pages. Its suitable for all Academic staff and acts as a pre-requisite to the other modules below, especially if you’re not a confident or experienced Blackboard user.
Effective Course Design in Blackboard 9.1
This learning and teaching module explores unit design, site navigation, tool selection and accessibility factors with an emphasis on how they impact the online learning experience. This module is suitable for all Academics, especially those who facilitate online delivery or are preparing to move units online.
Engaging your Students in Blackboard 9.1
This learning and teaching module focuses on techniques and practices that will enhance participation and collaboration in online units. It follows on from Effective Course Design in Blackboard 9.1 and is best suited for Academic staff who are looking for practical ways of improving the online learning experience for their students.
Using Turnitin in Blackboard 9.1
This is a concise technical module for new users of Turnitin in the 9.1 environment. It will enable you to create a Turnitin assignment, interpret originality reports and use some of the basic Grademark features. If you’re not confident with Blackboard 9.1, you should do Making the Move to Blackboard 9.1 first.
Using Tests in Blackboard 9.1
Another technical module that will enable you to develop and deploy self-marking assessments and surveys which, when well-designed, can reduce your marking load and engage students with your content. If you’re unfamiliar with Blackboard 9.1, you should do Making the Move to Blackboard 9.1 first.
Managing Your Students in Blackboard 9.1
This technical module explores time-saving tools to improve the efficiency of monitoring student participation online. You will be able to create self-sign groups, use the Performance Dashboard to monitor student activity and use Smart Views in the Grade Centre to organise and filter data. If you’re not a confident user of Blackboard 9.1, you should do Making the Move to Blackboard 9.1 first.
Teaching Technologies Drop-in Session
A drop-in session is an opportunity for academic staff to get advice and ad-hoc support in the use of various teaching technologies such as Lecture Capture, Blackboard 9.1, Camtasia, Adobe Connect Pro and more.
Technical Support
The e-Learning Assist team at CLD provide specialist Blackboard support and can respond to Blackboard 9.1 problems on the spot or connect you with more appropriate support. You can contact them via email at elearningassist@ecu.edu.au or telephone 6304 2777.
Learning and Teaching Support
Staff who are embarking on a major Blackboard project such as adapting a unit for online delivery, should start with the relevant training modules above and then get in touch with a learning designer at CLD who can work with you more intensively. Email cld@ecu.edu.au or telephone 6304 2554.