Gradebook Issue

There is a known bug in Blackboard which gives students attempting to access their uploaded papers in the Bb gradebook the following error:

“HTTP Status 403, Access to the specified resource ( ) has been forbidden"

This bug is fixed in Blackboard SP9, but Blackboard will not be upgraded to SP9 until after the winter break. To avoid this problem until the upgrade takes place, please see the workaround below:

Workaround
Do not attach feedback files using the Browse/Attach button, but rather use the attachment option in the visual text box editor (VTBE) to place their feedback files in the VTBE as attachments (see illustration).

'EMERGENCY' Blackboard Upgrade **December 20 - 22, 2012**

**Attention all Faculty and Staff using Blackboard**

Blackboard will undergo an ‘emergency’ upgrade to Service Pack 9 (SP9) to repair a problem with the course copy function.  Blackboard will be unavailable starting on Thursday, December 20th at 2:30 am until Saturday, December 22nd at 12:00 pm.

Until further notice, please do the following when setting up your Bb course site:

1. Rather than copy individual items between courses,   do a full course copy (from the control panel) and move/delete items as necessary.  Note: you should only do a full course copy once per course or you may create duplicate items and gradebook columns.  For instructions on full course copy, visit:  http://www.pgcconline.com/technicalSupport/CourseCopyInstructions/
2. Wait to receive the course copy confirmation email before making any changes to the course.
3. If you have not received a course copy confirmation email within 1 hour, please contact eLearning.  DO NOT copy the course again.

Thank you for your patience while we work to resolve this issue.  We will provide an update once the upgrade is complete.

Saving Tests in Blackboard

Students

Are you having trouble taking tests in Blackboard?

Please be aware that, if you are taking a timed test, the timer will continue to run even if you exit or are kicked out of the test (e.g. – due to network problems, your computer crashing etc). Even though Blackboard will display the following message,:

click image

you will not be able to resume the test after the allotted time has expired. Even if you save the exam to resume later, the timer will continue.

Faculty

For this reason, when creating timed tests and quizzes in Blackboard, it is recommended that you include a warning regarding the timer issue.

The Solution

An enhancement request has been submitted to Blackboard to change the wording of the message, and thus prevent any further confusion.

Course Orientation: Summer 2012

The Instructor-led course orientation for online students is on Thursday, May 31, 2012.
Click here for details.