Tip #75: Naming Files for Blackboard

Tip: You can reduce the number of error messages you and students receive when opening files by appropriately naming files uploaded to Blackboard.


How to do it:

There are several file name characters that may lead to error messages when instructors or students upload or download files. To reduce the occurrence of those errors, follow these naming conventions:

• Use only letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens in file names
• Use hyphens or underscores in place of spaces in file names
• Do not use periods in a file name, except before the file extension (e.g. “Name_test1.doc”)
• Do not use spaces, commas, pound signs (#), question marks, equal signs, ampersands (&), asterisks (*), or any other special characters in file names
• Keep file names under 60 characters in length

NOTE: You may recommend to students that they follow these same naming conventions. This is helpful when you are downloading multiple students’ files at once (E.g. downloading students’ completed assignments).

Tip #74: Copying Course Materials by Exporting and Importing

Tip: You can copy materials into a Blackboard 9 course from previous courses by Exporting and Importing (from BB7 to BB9 and from BB9 to BB9).

• NOTE: This process does not overwrite your Blackboard 9 course entirely but rather add the material you are importing into it. You may need to rearrange or remove some items after the import process has fully completed.

Here’s how to Export and Import:

Part I Export

1. Log into the source course from which you will be copying the material.


2. Go to Export/Archive page.
   
   • Blackboard 7: Click on Control Panel then on Export Course under the Course Options section
   
   
   • Blackboard 9: Click on the Packages and Utilities section of the Control Panel and then on Export/Archive Course
     


3. Click on the Export button and select all Course Materials that you would like to export.
   
   • NOTE: Do not select Settings as this will cause some parts of your Blackboard 9 course to be disabled.
   
   
   • NOTE: If you select any Assessments, Assignments, or graded Discussions, then you must also select Gradebook Items (Grade Center Columns in BB9).
     
     Likewise, if you select Gradebook Items (Grade Center Columns in BB9), then you must select Assessments, Assignments, and Discussions.


4. Click Submit. At this point, you should receive a message that states “This action has been successfully queued. An email will be sent when the process is complete.”
   
• NOTE: You should receive this email within 2-3 hours. If that does not happen, please contact Blackboard Support (blackboard@twu.edu).


5. Once you receive the confirmation email, return to the Export/Archive page then right-click and save the new Export file to a location where you can easily find it such as your desktop.

Part II Import

1. Log into the destination course.


2. Click on the Packages and Utilities section of the Control Panel and then on Import Package/View Logs.


3. Click on the Import Package button.


4. Under Select a Package, click on the Browse button, browse to where you saved the Export file on your computer, select the file, and click on Open.


5. Select all Course Materials that you would like to import.
   
   • NOTE: Do not select Settings as this will cause some parts of your Blackboard 9 course to be disabled.
   
   
   • NOTE: If you select any Assessments, Assignments, or graded Discussions, then you must also select Gradebook Items (Grade Center Columns in BB9).
     
     Likewise, if you select Gradebook Items (Grade Center Columns in BB9), then you must select Assessments, Assignments, and Discussions.


6. Click Submit. At this point, you should receive a message that states “Success: This action has been queued. An email will be sent when the process is complete.”
   
   • NOTE: You should receive this email within 2-3 hours. After you receive this email, it could take up to another 8 hours for the new content to fully display. If either part does not happen, please contact Blackboard Support (blackboard@twu.edu).

Tip #73: Copying Course Materials

Tip: You can copy materials into a Blackboard 9 course from previous courses by using Course Copy (from BB9 to BB9 only).

• NOTE: This process does not overwrite your Blackboard 9 course entirely but rather adds the material you are importing into it. You may need to rearrange or remove some items after the copy process has completed.

How to Course Copy:

1. Log into the course from which you will be copying the material.


2. Click on the Packages and Utilities section of the Control Panel and then on Course Copy.


3. Under Select Copy Options, click on the Browse button next to Destination Course ID. In the Course window that pops, select your destination course, and click Submit.


4. Select all the Course Materials that you would like to copy.
   
• NOTE: Do not select Settings if you are copying from a course which was formerly on BB7 as this will cause some parts of your new Blackboard 9 course to be disabled.
  
  
• NOTE: If you select Assessments, Assignments, or graded Discussions, then you must also select Grade Center Columns.
  
  Likewise, if you select Grade Center Columns, then you must select Assessments, Assignments, and Discussions.


5. Click Submit. At this point, you should receive a message that states “Success: Course copy action queued. An email will be sent when the process is complete.”
• NOTE: You should receive this email within 2-3 hours. After you receive this email, it could take up to another 8 hours for the new content to fully display. If either part does not happen, please contact Blackboard Support (blackboard@twu.edu).

Web 2.0 Tool of the Week: Aviary

(http://www.Aviary.com)
Aviary is a suite of powerful graphic creation applications that you can use directly in a web browser. Aviary offers an open canvas from which users can create, edit, and develop their artistic visions. From novice to artist, anyone can create using Aviary and the variety of tools they offer.

About Aviary

• Basic account is free; paid account offers full access to the entire suite of applications, enhanced file sharing and collaboration, full watermark control, and unlimited storage.
• Programs in the tool include:
• Phoenix- layer-based image editor, comparable to Photoshop
• Peacock- visual laboratory for creating amazing effects and visualizations
• Toucan- customized color palette coordinator
• Raven- vector image editor, comparable to Illustrator
• Falcon- basic image markup with shapes and text, similar to Smart Art in Office
• Myna- audio editor, comparable to Audacity
• Talon- Firefox extension that allows users to perform screen capturing

Why use Aviary?

• Photo-editing
• Create logos or original illustrations
• Create a course banner
• Create or edit images for presentations

Ready to explore Aviary?
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Share with us a creation you’ve made on Aviary in this post's comments..

Tip #72: Blackboard 9 Upgrade Frequently Asked Questions

Tip: We will begin using Blackboard 9 for all classes beginning June 2010. Summer, Summer 2 and Summer 3 classes will be available on the new version of Blackboard. Summer 1 (formerly Maymester) will be taught on the current version of Blackboard. Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about Blackboard 9

Can I see what BB9 looks like before summer?

The new Blackboard server is available at http://twupilot.blackboard.com. You are also invited to attend the BB9 classes being offered to faculty, staff, adjuncts and GA’s. See our upcoming classes.

When will we start using Blackboard 9?

Blackboard 9 will be used beginning in June with Summer, Summer 2 and Summer 3 courses.

When will all my old courses be moved from BB 7 to BB9?

Courses containing content from the following semesters have been moved and should be visible on the new server:

• 08SP
• 08SU – all terms including maymester
• 08FA
• 09SP
• 09SU – all terms including maymester
• 09FA

10SP courses have not been moved so that all content can be included and will be moved once grades have been submitted. They should be available by the end of May.

You should be able to view all these courses on the BB9 server (http://twupilot.blackboard.com). If you are not seeing courses please contact Blackboard Support at blackboard@twu.edu.

When will my Spring 2010 courses be moved to the BB9 server?

In order to ensure that your entire course is moved, Spring 2010 courses should be available to you by the end of May.

Is it possible to move my Spring 2010 class earlier?

You can use the Export function in the course to export your course and then use the Import function in Blackboard 9. For more complete directions see: http://www.twu.edu/downloads/blackboard/BB9_Importing_a_Course_from_Blackboard_7.pdf

Will I need to give this address (http://twupilot.blackboard.com) to my students?

No, on June 4 all existing links (http://twu.blackboard.com, http://online.twu.edu) to Blackboard will automatically go to the new server.

I usually send e-mails to my students before the semester starts. Can I still do this?

Yes, you can send an e-mail from your course in Blackboard 9 (http://twupilot.blackboard.com)

Will organizations be moved to Blackboard 9?

Yes, we are in the process of moving all organizations with content to Blackboard 9. All organizations should be available in BB9 by the end of May.

Will I still have access to Blackboard 7?

Yes, it will be available through the beginning of Fall 2010; the exact date will be announced via e-mail. We will send a link to the BB7 location in June.

When will students have access to the new Blackboard?

Students will have access to Blackboard 9 beginning June 4.

Web 2.0 Tool of the Week: Diigo

(http://www.Diigo.com)
Diigo is a social bookmarking and annotation site for people to discover and share web content. Users can highlight content directly on web pages and post sticky notes for additional commenting. The site allows users to “like” a site, share a site by email, categorize sites, and comment on various items posted. Content can be public or private. Educators can apply for a special free account to use with student groups.

Account Information:

• Diigo accounts are free
• Accounts can be connected to other social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter

Why use Diigo?

• Discover popular web sites
• Collaborate on research and projects
• Enhance class communication using web content
• Submit your favorite web content
• Bookmarks can be “tagged” for easier searching
• Search with terms of your choice
• Information can be accessed anywhere with internet connectivity

Ready to explore Diigo?
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Tip #71: Upcoming BB9 Classes

Tip: You now have more opportunities to learn about Blackboard 9 and receive a sandbox course by attending a Blackboard 9 class.

TWU will begin using Blackboard 9 for Summer, Summer 2 and Summer 3* session courses. Faculty and staff wanting to orient to the new interface prior to June may access Blackboard 9 at http://twupilot.blackboard.com

You can register for classes or request a small group session for your department at http://www.twu.edu/blackboard/13232.asp

What’s New in Blackboard 9

Blackboard 9 has a completely revised web 2.0 user interface and many exciting new features. This facilitated, hands-on workshop will introduce participants to the most significant changes and new features of Blackboard 9.

Tuesday, May 4 – 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. SH 307
Wednesday, May 19 – 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ACT 503
Thursday, June 3 – 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. SH 307
Tuesday, June 8 – 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. SH 307

What’s New in BB9 Webinars

Blackboard 9 has a completely revised web 2.0 user interface and many exciting new features. Join us online in an Adobe Connect Session to explore the most significant changes and new features of Blackboard 9.

Thursday, May 20 – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 27 – 1:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 10 – 10:00 a.m.

The Blackboard 9 Grade Center Webinars

This Adobe Connect Session will introduce participants to the new Grade Center. Join us online to learn how to access the Grade Center to add score columns and to enter and manage student grades. Participants will also be introduced to new features such as Smart Views, Grade History, and Calculated Columns.

Friday, May 7 – 10:00 a.m.
Friday, May 21 – 1:00 p.m.
Friday, May 28 – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, June 10 – 10:00 a.m.

*Summer Semester Names

Old	New	Description
Maymester	Summer 1	14-day May classes
Summer 1	Summer 2	June classes
Summer 2	Summer 3	July classes
Summer 3	Summer	All summer long (beginning June)

Voicemail Tip of the Week: Phone Commands

TWU’s new voicemail system is integrated with email. Voicemail messages are automatically delivered to your email inbox. Messages can be accessed by phone, or by email, whichever is preferred. When accessing the system by phone, keystrokes are used to perform functions. Some of the commonly used functions are listed below.

To access the voicemail system from your office phone:

Denton: call 4646, press #, enter security code
Dallas & Houston: call 81 4646, press #, enter security code

Listen to new	press 1, 1
Listen to saved	press 1, 2
Save a message	press 1
Fwd a message	press 2
Delete a message	press 7
Reply to a message	press 5, 2
Call back the sender of a message	press 5, 1
To bypass a greeting	press #
To record a greeting	press 5, 4, 1
Listen to greeting	press 5, 4, 2
Change security code	press 5, 5, 3
Time/date message stamp	Automatically read
Log out of box	hang up

Important Note: Voicemail and e-mail are integrated on this system. Voicemail messages are automatically delivered to your email inbox. Messages can be accessed by phone, or by email, whichever is preferred.

During message playback, there are several features available:

Save current message..................... 1
Forward message to extension....... 2
Skip to next message..................... 3
Replay current message................. 4
Rewind message 6 seconds........... 5
Fast forward message 6 seconds... 6
Delete this message, play next....... 7

Features available at all times:

Return to a previous menu............. *
Finish a key entry........................... #

Voicemail is available for all permanent faculty and staff. To setup an account, e-mail voicemail@twu.edu from your TWU e-mail account and include name, campus and telephone extension.

Want more information? Call the TWU Helpdesk (940) 898-3971