GET READY … BLACKBOARD Learn ARRIVES ON CAMPUS DECEMBER 30, 2011
The upgrade to Blackboard Learn© 9.1 provides the university an opportunity to use information gathered during eLearning evaluation process and implement changes into the new system. The goals and objectives of the upgrade are to;
- successfully upgrade the current eLearning Platform to Blackboard Learn© 9.1 with limited disruption to faculty, students and staff,
- communicate the process to the user community on a regular and timely schedule,
- refresh the design of the eLearning environment including the landing pages and the default course template,
- provide faculty with opportunities to integrate the new features into their course design through improved hands-on information sessions, workshops and self-help documentation, and
- review current policies and procedures.
When is the Upgrade?
December 28th and 29th was selected after consulting with the Registrar and Office of Graduate and Continuing Education offices. The upgrade is scheduled to begin at 12:00 a.m. December 28th to coincide with the end of the fall semester, after fall 2011 grades are due. The system will be down for no more than two days. User access will be restored on or before December 30th, 2011.
Why upgrade?
Framingham State University practice is to upgrade Blackboard when the new release will enhance teaching and learning experience and enrich the educational experience at FSU. The Blackboard 9.1 platform offers improved accessibility features and is now the only learning management system to have received certification from the National Federation for the Blind.
How do I prepare?
All Blackboard courses will convert to the new Blackboard 9.1 learning environment when the upgrade occurs. Information, workshops and training sessions are scheduled throughout the fall semester to help faculty, students and staff become familiar with the new look of Blackboard. Review the schedule online or contact the Education Technology Office (ETO) at eto@framingham.edu or call 508 626-4927 for more information.
Faculty may preview the upgraded Blackboard 9.1 course environment by logging onto the University Blackboard 9.1 staging server. Use your normal username and password to access the system. (Note - there is no connection to the work you do on the staging server and our regular Blackboard environment.) Contact ETO if you need assistance.
No time to participate in a workshop? Not to worry, ETO has designed a self-paced course on our Blackboard Staging server. Contact ETO at eto@framingham.edu or call 508 626-4927 to be enrolled in the site.
How do I get involved?
Upgrade Project planning sessions are open to all. The group is meeting throughout the summer and into the fall semester to define the course and landing page designs, conduct administrative testing, define communication strategies and become familiar with the new features and functionality. If you are interested in participating in the upgrade preparation contact the Education Technology Office at eto@framingham.edu.
