Blackboard publisher integrations for VitalSource, Cengage, Pearson, and Macmillan will be updated to the latest version on December 19, 2024. To ensure your courses receive the latest update and function properly when using these third party tools, instructors should not link to any VitalSource, Cengage, Pearson, or Macmillan resources in Winter 2025 or Spring 2025 courses until December 20th. 

Preparing for the Update

Instructors using these publisher integrations in Fall 2024 courses should access grades from the publisher prior to December 19th. Grades will remain available by accessing your instructor account on the publisher site directly after this date. Please see details for each integration below.

VitalSource

VitalSource links will be updated dynamically in Blackboard courses. Following the update, access VitalSource using the MyTextbooks & Course Materials link in the “Start Here” module. 

Image 1. The Start Here module in Blackboard courses includes a “My Textbooks & Course Resources” link to VitalSource.

Cengage

Existing Cengage links in your Fall 2024 courses will be migrated automatically to the updated integration on December 19th. However, we recommend accessing grades from Cengage prior to the update. Following the update, new Cengage links may be added to Winter and Spring 2025 courses via the Content Market beginning December 20th. Access WebAssign and MindTap instructor resources for more details. Note: Cengage will no longer appear at the top of the Content Market page, but will appear alphabetically in the list of Content Market tools.

Macmillan

If you are currently using Macmillan course materials in your Fall 2024 courses, we recommend accessing grades from Macmillan prior to the update. However, if needed, you will be able to relink your active Blackboard courses to Achieve using the updated LTI 1.3 steps and import any previously completed work to the BB gradebook. Following the update, please use the Macmillan link in the Content Market to add Macmillan content to your upcoming courses. Note: Macmillan will no longer appear at the top of the Content Market page, but will appear alphabetically in the list of Content Market tools.

Pearson

If you are currently using Pearson course materials in your Fall 2024 courses, we recommend accessing grades from Pearson prior to the update. Pearson links created prior to December 20th will be deactivated following the update. However, if needed, instructors will be able to access grades from Pearson by logging into their instructor Pearson account directly. Following the December update, you may add Pearson links to Winter and Spring 2025 courses by accessing the Blackboard Ultra Books & Tools menu. Pearson resources review how to configure your Blackboard course. 

Course Materials Support

Publisher support is available directly from Cengage, Macmillan, and Pearson. If you have questions related to the publisher integration updates, please submit an RT request for concerns related to Blackboard. Please contact Jocelyn Ochoa-Garcia (textbook@umbc.edu) in the UMBC Bookstore for CMI-related questions. 

Connect with Instructional Technology

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