Blackboard course shells for FA2016 were created on July 27, 2016.
Bb shells are available for all courses (designated as lecture, lab, field or discussion) listed in the UMBC Schedule of Classes (SOC), provided that there is an instructor of record listed. As new course sections and/or instructors are added to the SOC, corresponding Bb shells are automatically generated overnight. If you need a shell for a research or independent study course, please submit a new course request.
Instructors who teach multiple sections of the same course will find those enrollments merged into one Bb course shell. These sections can be split upon request by an RT ticket. Student enrollment in Bb mirrors the official registration in SA and updates hourly. However, courses are not accessible to students by default until the instructor makes them available.
If you are an instructor, and your name is not associated with the course you are teaching in the SOC, please see your departmental scheduling coordinator to resolve the issue. Once you are listed in the SOC, your Bb course shell will be created automatically. If not, please submit a support request by an RT ticket.
]]>Throughout summer 2016, Blackboard will archive the following terms from our Blackboard server:
These courses will then be retired from the Blackboard system in mid-FA2016.
The Blackboard system’s overall performance and efficiency will improve by removing files and transactions from the content server and database. AY14-15 and AY15-16 will remain on the server, and we will begin a new academic year of data retention (AY16-17).
Is my content gone forever?
No, Blackboard will archive courses as of mid-June, which will capture all course data, files, student submissions, discussions, grades, etc. to date. These archives will reside on a secure drive with the Division of Information Technology.
Can I save a copy of my own courses?
Yes -- and we certainly encourage it. Instructors can export (course content) and/or archive (course content & student data) their courses. You should also download a copy of your grade book. We recommend saving these files to your UMBC Box account to ensure long term access in the event you change computer systems.
Can I restore (regain access to) only course content?
Yes. Course content consists of files and course structure (menu, folders, etc.). Faculty can only import course content to an existing Blackboard course shell.
Can I restore course data?
Course data consists of student submissions, discussions, and grades. We generally prefer not to restore full courses to avoid reinstating user accounts and confusing students with old content. If you must restore archived course data, please open an RT ticket with justification included.
How long will you keep the retired courses?
We will keep the retired courses for 2 years after Blackboard archives the courses. Faculty who may need content beyond 2 years should plan to save copies of their exported courses to UMBC Box.
When will the archiving and retirement of courses happen?
The archiving process began on Friday, May 27th and continues into June. We anticipate retirement of AY13-14 courses to begin late summer.
As always, if you have any questions, please consider the following options:
UPDATE - Course archive completed on 8/18/2016. Announcement to be posted for retirement phase.
]]>UMBC Blackboard Update is provided by the Division of Information Technology for students, faculty and staff. If you have questions or need help, please consult the Blackboard Help tab inside Blackboard or directly at www.umbc.edu/blackboard/help. You can also contact the Technology Support Center at 410.455.3838 or submit an RT (Request Tracker) ticket via the myUMBC Help Menu or directly at my.umbc.edu/help.
HEADLINES
Clicker Updates
Alternate Delivery Program
For your information:
As always, if you have any questions, please consider the following options:
Follow the Instructional Technology & DoIT myUMBC groups
Request a consult with a member of the instructional technology team
Blackboard course shells for SU2016 were created on April 24, 2016.
Bb shells are available for all courses (designated as lecture, lab, field or discussion) listed in the UMBC Schedule of Classes (SOC), provided that there is an instructor of record listed. As new course sections and/or instructors are added to the SOC, corresponding Bb shells are automatically generated overnight. If you need a shell for a research or independent study course, please submit a new course request.
Instructors who teach multiple sections of the same course will find those enrollments merged into one Bb course shell. These sections can be split upon request by an RT ticket. Student enrollment in Bb mirrors the official registration in SA and updates hourly. However, courses are not accessible to students by default until the instructor makes them available.
If you are an instructor, and your name is not associated with the course you are teaching in the SOC, please see your departmental scheduling coordinator to resolve the issue. Once you are listed in the SOC, your Bb course shell will be created automatically. If not, please submit a support request by an RT ticket.
]]>On Wednesday, March 9, from 11:30am - 1:30pm, DoIT's Instructional Technology team is sponsoring Techfest in the University Center (rooms UC 310, UC 312, and the UC Lounge) to bring the campus community together and present ways that technology can both support and improve the efficiency of day-to-day activities.
STUDENTS, FACULTY, and STAFF are all welcome and encouraged to attend.
Registration is required for this event. Please register here.
After attending your workshop, be sure to complete a feedback form to be entered to win Starbucks gift cards, Webcams, iPad cases, and more!
Registration will close on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 5pm. Register now!
Registration is closed for workshops already filled to capacity. If you have any questions about the registration process, contact Collin Sullivan.
Workshop descriptions have been provided below:
Session 1 Workshops (11:35 - 12:00):
LIMITED AVAILABILITY - Blackboard Tips & Tricks (UC 310): Blackboard is the current learning management system used at UMBC. Your professors may use it to supplement or replace the traditional classroom experience. Come learn a few tips & tricks for getting access, taking tests, receiving notifications about content & communication updates, and using the new Bb Student mobile app.
CLOSED - Where’s my iCloud? (UC 312): iCloud keeps popping up on my phone! What is this? Where is it? Why do I need it? Discover the essential basics of iCloud, like Find my iPhone, and how to use other features like Shared Photos, iWork for iCloud, and more.
Session 2 Workshops (12:05 - 12:30):
CLOSED - Collaborating with Google Docs (UC 310): Are you working on a team project or presentation? With everyone’s busy schedules, how can we all meet up together to get this assignment done? Learn how to use Google Docs to work with your group without physically meeting!
LIMITED AVAILABILITY - LinkedIn 101 (UC Lounge) (from the Career Center): What is LinkedIn? Why should you use this tool to make connections and build your brand? Come to this session to learn the basics of LinkedIn including how to create an “All-Star” profile and the do’s and don’ts of LinkedIn connection etiquette.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY - Upgrade Your Notes with OneNote (UC 312): Taking notes with paper and pen? There has to be a better way in the 21st century! Learn how to improve your journals with OneNote and how to stay on top of your class notes.
Session 3 Workshops (12:35 - 1:00):
Collaborating with Google Docs(UC 310) *Same as Session 2, see description above*
LIMITED AVAILABILITY - Making the Most of Your LinkedIn (UC Lounge) (from the Career Center): Go beyond the basics of LinkedIn. Learn how to take full advantage of this tool to network like a pro, increase your visibility, and make LinkedIn a part of your job search strategy!
CLOSED - Managing Your Gmail Tips & Tricks (UC 312): Are too many emails flooding your inbox? Want to change its layout? And what are these Google Gadgets? Learn how to make the most of your email and become a Gmail Guru from the Chief Information Officer here at UMBC, Jack Suess!
Session 4 Workshops (1:05 - 1:30):
CLOSED - 7 Secrets of Effective Calendaring (UC 310): Google Calendar is such a simple, yet critical app for managing our day to day activities. Is there more below the surface than just your list of meetings? Come learn about hidden or unknown benefits of this simple and powerful tool. The intended outcome from this presentation is that participants are able to gain more insight and effective skill in their use of Google Calendar.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY - Maximizing Your Storage with Box (UC 312): Want unlimited computer storage? Want to be able to access it anywhere, any time? Box Cloud Storage is your answer for storing files and collaborating on projects with your peers quickly and effectively.
Updates Coming to Clickers (UC Lounge): Learn about the changes coming to Clickers here at UMBC from our UMBC Turning Technologies Intern. Registration is not required to attend this information session.
We hope to see you there - don’t forget to register!
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