Distance Learning News

CFCC will be upgrading from Blackboard 7.3 to Blackboard 9.1 starting on May 10. The system may be unavailable through May 13. Be forewarned that the new version of Blackboard is significantly different from the current version so it’s important that you complete Bb 101 and attend training as soon as possible to prepare for this new and exciting change.

Are you prepared for the upgrade?

• Have you completed Blackboard 101 for Bb9?
• Have you attended either a What’s New in Bb 9 workshop (current online instructors) or a Getting Started with Blackboard workshop (new instructors)? See training schedule.
• Have you copied course content for your summer and/or fall courses?
• Have you reviewed our Teaching with Blackboard 9 webpage?

The Department of Distance Learning is here to help you with this transition. Please contact us for further assistance with your courses and have a great summer!

If you are current online instructor at North Campus and have not yet attended a What’s New in Blackboard 9 workshop, the Department of Distance Learning is offering one just for you on April 19. For details, please visit our Training Page.

Many of you are awaiting the upgrade from Blackboard 7.3 (old school) to the new, bright and shiny Blackboard 9. The following document will provide you with a snapshot of some differences you can expect:

What’s New in Blackboard 9? (PDF) 

Remember, when you get access to our Blackboard 9 test server, do NOT count on building out your courses to be moved to the production server, since test servers do not have guaranteed stability. You can continue building out courses in our current Bb and these courses will be moved to the Bb 9 production server during upgrade.

Oh, while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out CFCC’s Course Essentials Checklist (.doc), conveniently also available in a rubric version, if you’d like to take notes while checking your course.