Upgrading from WebCTto Blackboard Learn

Upgrade UpdateFebruary 2011

Technology Facilitated LearningUniversity of Ulster

Aims

• To outline the key elements of the upgrade process.

• To highlight the support that will be available to help you with the transition.

• To outline how the transition will impact on you.

Raising Awareness

• Upgrading from WebCT to Blackboard Learn 9.1• Switchover is planned for September 2011 (all courses taught in Blackboard Learn from Sept 11 onwards)

• Benefits of Blackboard Learn

(Promotional postcard)

Transition Information

Online Information Point that provides up to date information to help you during the transition process, including:

• Transition timeline• Availability of Live System and your migrated courses• New tools, functionality and opportunities• Training & support that is available• Governance of the process• Access to the Bb Learn Test Environment• Send us your questions / FAQs

Blackboard Learn Information Point Website http://www.ulster.ac.uk/bbinfo

• Latest news• Transition approach• Training & support• Get involved

Transition Timeline (handout)

• Key aspects of Upgrade• Bb Learn Live System and migrated S1 modules available -

Mar 2011 (email notification mid-Feb w.r.t. this)• Staff can review and prepare their migrated content for

the new academic year from March to Sept 2011• Training & support*

• Welcome to Bb Learn Lecture – Mar & Apr 2011• 2 X Blackboard Learn Skills Workshop – May to Sept 2011• Teaching and Learning Themed Workshops – AY 2011/12

*Tailored training solutions can be requested by faculty/school/dept

• Risks• VLE Upgrade Board is actively managing the risks

associated with the upgrade.

Blackboard Learn Test Environment

Ulster Blackboard Learn Test Environment is available to staff, to let you become familiar with the environment.

• Drag n drop configurable interface• Bb Learn Support Courses (downloads available from

announcements)• Sample Orientation Area (Download Activities)• Assessment and Feedback (Download Worksheet)

• Sample migrated courses from WebCT• Create your own course – Course Creation Wizard• Notifications Dashboard – Alerts, What’s New, To Do, etc

Blackboard Learn Test Environment http://bblearn.ulster.ac.uk

• Support courses• Migrated courses• Course creation

wizard• Announcements

Drag n Drop interface

Instructor view – Needs Attention, Alerts, What’s NewStudent view – To Do, What’s New

Early Warning System functionality can highlight vulnerable students

1. Content2. Course Menu3. Control Panel4. Edit Mode (ON/OFF)

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3

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Download and complete the Orientation Activities from the Sample Orientation Course

Assessment and Feedback Course Support Area – underpinned by good practice.

Mashups – embed interactive

web content from YouTube, SlideShare and Flickr.

Further Information

Ask a Question using the Bb Learn Info Point (FAQs)http://wiki.ulster.ac.uk/display/bbip/Send+us+your+Questions

Blackboard Learn Information Pointhttp://www.ulster.ac.uk/bbinfo

Blackboard Learn Test Environmenthttp://bblearn.ulster.ac.uk