Tip #80: Known Issues

Tip: As with most new software, Blackboard 9 has a few bugs. In order to track these and help faculty be aware of potential problem areas, we have created a known issues list.

The complete known issues list can be found at http://www.twu.edu/blackboard/13251.asp

The following known issues are pervasive issues across campus which many users have experienced.

Blogs, Journals, and Wikis

Some users receive error messages and experience intermittent access when attempting to connect to blogs, journals, and wikis. Blackboard has applied a patch which has resolved the issue. If you continue to receive an error message, this issue can be resolved by clearing your browser cache.

To do so:
Close all browser instances then launch a single instance.

For IE8: Tools >> Internet Options >> Browsing History… >> Delete >> check Temporary Internet files, Cookies, and History >> uncheck Preserve Favorites website data >> Delete

For Firefox 3.5 or greater: Tools >> Clear Recent History >> set Time range to Everything >> check Cookies and Cache >> Clear Now

For IE7: Tools >> Internet Options >> Browsing History… >> Delete >> Delete files… >> Delete cookies… >> Delete history…

Safari: Tools >> Reset Safari >> check Empty the cache and Remove all cookies >> Reset

Exit and then re-launch the browser.

For other browser directions, see: http://www.bnl.gov/itd/webapps/browserCache.asp

If, after following these steps, the 404 error continues to occur, send an email to blackboard@twu.edu to let us know.

Discussion Board Attachments

Students are unable to view files that instructors have attached, and instructors are unable to view files that students have attached using the Visual Text Box Editor.

• Instructors should use the "Attach File" icon on the Visual Text Box Editor toolbar.
  
  
• Students should use the "Browse My Computer" button in the Attachments section below the Visual Text Box Editor.

HTML

Inserting HTML in areas of the course where HTML is not expected can cause parts of the course to be inaccessible or to not function. We suggest that HTML only be incorporated in text areas that have a related Visual Text Box Editor available.

Announcement, Assessment, Assignment, Discussion Board

If an item is setup with a start date but no end date or with an end date but no start date, the item cannot be modified.

For this reason, it is important to either set both a start date and an end date (even if the end date is dated far in the future) or set neither. Also, do not use both availability dates and adaptive release.

Know of other issues?
If you know of an issue that is not currently on the complete known issues list, please let us know at blackboard@twu.edu.

Tip of the Week: Virtual Posters

Web 2.0 Tools: Glogster & Wallwisher
Poster presentations are popular in many arenas of higher education. Faculty present research, staff present projects, and students present both research and projects. Presenting a poster virtually allows greater sharing of the information.

What tools are available?

• Glogster is a digital poster board web 2.0 tool that allows creators to add links to websites, include pictures, choose background theme, shapes and characters from the gallery, text, and embed audio and video files. For class settings, an instructor can create an account for the class and give each student a space to create their own poster. When posters are shared with others, they can “rate” the posters. The creator has the option to make the poster public or private.
  
  
• Wallwisher is web 2.0 tool designed to create bulletin boards with such items as images, videos, audio links, websites to be uploaded, as well as background or theme choices. When sharing the bulletin board with others, they can give feedback. During the creation of the bulletin board, choices are given about who can view, who can post sticky notes or feedback, and the URL for the site. Those giving feedback can also include web links, audio or video files, images, and text. Creators also have an option to “approve” any feedback before it is posted.

Web 2.0 tools are available to anyone with internet access. Each Web 2.0 tool website offers information about that tool including support options, if available.