BLACKBOARD 9 IS COMING!
SBCCD will be upgrading from Blackboard 7.3 to Blackboard 9 (now called Blackboard Learn) for the Spring 2011 Term.Blackboard 9 provides the features and tools available in version 7, plus enhancements to the user interface, new social-learning tools (such as Journals and Blogs) and easier navigation. Now is the time to make plans to learn about Bb 9.
Here are some ways you can learn about Bb 9:
Review our campus’ Professional Development Schedule for Bb 9 preview sessions. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the new interface and navigation before the Spring 2011 Term. Alternative there are video tutorials available on the DETS website on basic Blackboard 9 functions.
Valley College Professional Development Calendar
For Crafton Hills College Professional Development Schedule, please contact Daniel Bahner: EM:dbahner@craftonhills.edu; PH: (909) 389-3330.
Watch some Blackboard 9 tutorials.
Special Notice for faculty:
During the technical conversion to Blackboard 9, only the Spring 2011 Course shells will be migrated over to the new production server. This conversion will not affect your current Fall 2010 course shell in the current version (7.3) nor interrupt course interactions.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Blackboard upgrade, please contact Trelisa Glazatov in the Distributed Education and Technology Services Department (tglazato@sbccd.cc.ca.us or (909) 384-4318).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Why is the upgrade necessary?
Blackboard 9 has a number of new features which will benefit both staff and students. In addition, as Blackboard (the company) continues to develop the product, older versions will become unsupported and incompatible with browsers.
What should I do when the upgrade has been completed?
Your main responsibility is to ensure that you familiarize yourself with the new version and that you are comfortable with all necessary functionality when you start using Blackboard in your teaching either in Spring Semester 2011. You can do this in a number of ways, either by attending one of the training sessions, or by working through the self-paced training and support resources.
Where can I experiment with the new Blackboard?
There is a Blackboard 9 Test server. If you want to experiment with a course in Blackboard 9, send an email to tglazato@sbccd.cc.ca.us and you will be sent access details on how to access the server and import a course.
How much time will it take to learn what I need to know to use the new version of Blackboard?
You will find that one of the main difference in the new version of Blackboard is that menu items are differently (and more intuitively) grouped. Control panel items appear under the left hand menu and there are more drop down menus. There are also improvements to the Grade Centre, and Blackboard has improved its accessibility features. The amount of time taken to get used to these changes will vary. It is expected that most people will adapt very quickly. We encourage faculty to experiment with a test course on the Test server.
When will students see the new version?
The Blackboard server will be switched over to the new version during the winter break after Fall 2010 grades are submitted. Your students will be able to access the upgraded version for the Spring 2011 semester.
Will all browsers work with the new version?
Blackboard have provided a document specifying which browsers will perform optimally with Blackboard. It can be viewed here: Browsers supported by Blackboard