When is the upgrade?
Blackboard will be undergoing upgrade maintenance and therefore be unavailable to users between July 3-5, 2012. Blackboard will be available in version 9.1 on July 6, 2012.
Will I be able to access the previous version after the upgrade?
No, after the upgrade, all courses will only be accessible in Blackboard Release 9.1. The upgrade is a one-time switch from 8.0 to 9.1. All course content from version 8.0 will be moved over to Release 9.1. Previously archived courses will also be restorable into Release 9.1.
Why upgrade?
Blackboard notified us that our current version of Blackboard will reach its end-of-life as of October 2012 and that they will no longer support version 8.0 as of January 2013.
In order to improve Blackboard by bringing in new features and capabilities, as well as correcting existing technical or operational issues we must upgrade periodically as with any other software. Version 9.1 brings significant improvements to the user interface as well as functional and technical improvements and solutions to previous problems.
Blackboard 9.1 has improved accessibility features and is now the only learning management system to have received certification from the National Federation for the Blind.
Why in July?
Our upgrade process requires that Blackboard be unavailable to users for several days. The time between Summer I and Summer II terms is the only time when there are very few active courses. This timeframe is the least disruptive time for Blackboard to be unavailable. In addition, upgrading over the summer gives faculty six weeks to prepare their fall term courses.
What are some of the advantages for students?
Aside from a more modern interface, there is very little noticeable change on the student side. However, the more modern interface brings additional enhancements, such as
Greater accessibility for students who use screen readers
More customization options
Screen specific directions
What are the challenges?
Although the new course interface is an improvement, it will likely take some time for users to adjust.
How do I become comfortable and capable with the changes?
Students do not need to do anything to prepare for the change. However, if you are unfamiliar with Blackboard, we suggest the following ways to help you become comfortable:
Review information contained on this resource center
Enroll in the self-paced Blackboard Orientation for Students tutorial that is available in Blackboard. To enroll, click on the catalog tab, select the folder for the orientation and select the enroll button next to the "course" name. You will receive immediate access. The orientation takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.