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Saving courses currently in Blackboard before moving to Moodle

Preparing for the move to Moodle

Converting from Blackboard to Moodle is like moving to a new house.  If your current Blackboard courses are filled with items no longer used, moving them to Moodle will only make matters worse.  So before migrating to Moodle, it’s a good time to delete old or unused items, and organize your files.

How do I get to my courses currently in Blackboard?

Through early fall 2012, you may access your Blackboard files at blackboard.elon.edu. No new courses or data are being added to Blackboard as of June 1, 2012. Elon’s Blackboard server will be taken fully offline in early Fall 2012. After the Blackboard server is taken offline, faculty may open their archived or exported Blackboard course files by using a free Blackboard application called Coursesites.

We recommended that you save your Blackboard courses for archival purposes and potential future use. The method you use to save or download depends on your intended use for the saved files.

Can tests and quizzes be exported from Blackboard and loaded into Moodle?

Yes and no. Quizzes and tests can be exported from Blackboard then imported into Moodle, but it’s not an exact science, and it has to be done by a system administrator. Due to the volume of courses being updated, we ask that you request conversion of tests or quizzes with 50 or more questions. If you have quizzes or tests with 50 or less items, you are encouraged to re-enter these into Moodle. You can copy and paste text into Moodle from Word or a text editor.

Some question types are not transferable from Blackboard to Moodle. Namely, “Fill in the Blank” questions, “Jumbled Sentence” questions, and “Combination” questions will not transfer. You will need to rebuild these types of questions.

Three ways to save your courses

Download package. This process combines the files and folders stored in your Course Content folder. It downloads a zipped file, which can be unzipped on your computer to reveal standard documents and folders. This method gives you the most control over organizing and updating your course files to be used in Moodle.

  • Use to download to your computer to organize, cleanup, or update files, then upload     individually zipped file folders or documents into Moodle as needed.

Export. Exports content files such as selected standard tests and quizzes, or documents. Exports in zipped data file, which can be accessed only with an extractor application such as bFree or converted into files recognized by Moodle.

  • Use to store your course files for archival purposes or to convert into Moodle with quiz or     test questions.

Archive course. Saves all content and interactions associated with the course, such as tests, grades, and other student data. Exports in zipped data file, which can be accessed only with an extractor application such bFree or converted into files recognized by Moodle.

  • Use to store your course files for archival purposes in a secure location. Not recommended for converting to Moodle.

All three processes produce a zipped file that you download and use or store on your own computer or hard drive.

How to download a package of files

In order to download content files as a zipped package, you’ll need to move all the content to one location in the area called Course Files. Under Control Panel, click Packages and Utilities. Then click on Move Files to Course Files.

You’ll be asked to confirm your selection on this page, then click Submit.

To verify that content has been consolidated, click on the Course Content selection under Content in the Control Panel.

When you’re ready to download the files, click in the box near “Download Package” in the upper left corner of the page, then click Download Package.  The zipped file is downloaded and saved to your computer. You’ll probably find it under “downloads” unless you’ve selected a different location.

Content

Click on the zipped file name on your computer. A folder is created that contains all the files from the course.  Now your course content is available for you to inspect, clean out, or rearrange before uploading the files into Moodle.
Once you’re satisfied with your file arrangement, you can use the “drag and drop” method to move files from your desktop into your new Moodle course.


How to Export or Archive course files

The Export function creates a package of the course content that can later be imported and used for another course with the same content. It is important to note that, unlike the Archive feature, the Export function does not include any user interactions with the course—it only includes the content and the tools.

To select either Export or Archive, click on the link that says Export/Archive Course, under the Control Panel.

Export/Archive

The Archive function is located on the same page as Export.  Archive contains all course content files plus and interactions in the course.

When Exporting, you can check those items that you want to be archived. (When in doubt, check the box – if that section is empty, it doesn’t take up any more room.)

When you click on either selection, a message will tell you that you’ll get an email notification once the zipped file has been created.

Example of export course

Example of Archive Course

Export and Archive packages are downloaded as compressed .zip files. Do not unzip an Export or Archive package or remove files from the package. Zipped Export and Archive files are in database format that contains additional folder levels and navigational coding.

Once you have Exported or Archived your course files, copy and store them in a secure location for safekeeping and later access. Remember, you can open these files by uploading them back into Coursesites, or you can use a file extractor such as bFree.

bFree logoTo review and organize files from your Export or Archive zipped files, you can open the zip file using an extractor application called bFree.

Download this application from the site at its2.unc.edu/tl/tli/bFree/ and open the application on your computer. (It works on PC and Mac.) Then use the File -> Open to open the zipped Export file. Check those items you want to extract, then click Extract as files/folders.

If you have elected to use the Exported or Archived zip files to move content into Moodle, send a request for conversion from Blackboard to Moodle to Teaching and Learning Technologies at tlt@elon.edu.


Photo of Ben McFadyenAbout the author

Ben McFadyen is an academic technology consultant at Elon University who actively translates between teaching, learning, and technology. He works with faculty to explore how technology can be used to enhance student learning and provide efficient, effective ways to achieve pedagogical goals.

Also posted in archive, Moodle, Moodle Musings, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Saving courses currently in Blackboard before moving to Moodle

Navigating Moodle for the Blackboard user

Blackboard and Moodle are both course management systems and offer similar features. Below is a list of the most popular functions in Blackboard and how it compares to Moodle. This list is not complete but should give the most ardent Blackboard user a good place to start. Continue reading »
Also posted in Moodle, Moodle Musings, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Navigating Moodle for the Blackboard user

Navigating Moodle for the Blackboard user

Blackboard and Moodle are both course management systems and offer similar features. Below is a list of the most popular functions in Blackboard and how it compares to Moodle. This list is not complete but should give the most ardent Blackboard user a good place to start. If there are features that you expect in Moodle but can’t find, let us know in the comments section at the bottom of the page.

Blackboard

Moodle

Notes

Control Panel

Administration Located in left-side menu

Make course available

↓ Administration 

  • → Settings
    • ↓ Availability
    • Choose Available or Not Available
  • Save changes
  • Similar to Blackboard, instructors must make their courses available for students to view.

    Edit mode is on/off

    → Turn editing on (upper right corner) To enable editing mode, click the button in the upper-right corner of the screen that says “Turn editing on.”

    Upload a document

    → Turn editing on 

    • ↓ Add a resource

    (if already in Files folder)

    • → Link to a file or website
      • → Choose or upload a file…
      • ● Under Action column, click Choose

    (if on your computer)

    • → Upload a file | Select file | Open | Upload

    ● Under Action column, click Choose

    Upload a document, PDF, image, audio, or video.* 

    *We recommend that you embed or link to video from YouTube or Vimeo with private link (viewable only to those who have the URL).

    Enroll a student

    ↓ Administration 

    • → Assign roles
      • → Student
      • ● Search and click on Name
        • + Add user (name)
    Elon users can be enrolled in a Moodle course as a teacher, non-editing teacher, student or guest. Please verify that that any student added to your course has also been officially added into Datatel by referring to class list in On-Track.

    Announcements

    News Forum Moodle uses Forum for class announcements. A Forum is created automatically at the top of your course homepage. You can rename Forum to “Announcements”. 

    News forum postings will be automatically e-mailed to the class and headers will appear in the Latest News block.

    The News Forum can be configured to send an e-mail copy of every post to the entire class. Students will be reminded of postings and are able to review previous posts.

    Send email

    → Quickmail 

    • ● Select Name(s) or Sections(s)
    • + Add (to Selected Recipients)
    • + Add attachments (if any)
    • ● Compose message
      • → Send Email
    Students may view only current messages. No message history is available via Quickmail. (They can, however, view messages in their own email accounts.) Some email from G-Mail or Forum accounts may go to Spam Folders. Advise your students to check Spam for messages.

    Assignment Tool (Digital Dropbox)

    → Turn editing on 

    • ↓ Add an activity
      • → Select Upload a single file
      • or
      • → Advanced uploading of files
      • (if multiple documents)
    Students upload their file directly to the assignment. No central dropbox is available.

    Build a quiz

    → Turn editing on 

    • ↓ Add an activity
      • → Select Quiz
    Enter parameters for the Quiz, then build questions.

    Grade book

    ↓ Administration 

    • → Grades
      • ↓ Choose an action
        • → Simple view
        • (edit categories and items)
        • or
        • → Full view

    (edit categories and items)

    Grading parameters can accommodate simple totals or weighted values, depending on your grading methods.

    Discussion boards

    → Turn editing on 

    • ↓ Add an activity
      • → Select Advanced Forum
    Advanced Forum offers several forum modes that can be assigned to individual topics.

    Blog

    Not recommended A limited blogging function is available for individuals and can be shared with the entire class.A more robust course blog solution is available. Contact TLT at tlt@elon.edu or ext. 5006.

    Journal

    → Turn editing on 

    • ↓ Add an activity
      • → Select Journal
    A journal is a one-time, long form text entry between the instructor and a student (no one else may comment or add entries). Journals can be graded and faculty have the option to leave feedback. Journals may be made visible or private.

    Wiki

    • → Turn editing on
      • ↓ Add an activity
        • → Select Wiki
    Like Wikipedia, wikis are collaborative spaces where multiple contributors can add to and edit content on the page. Moodle does not allow wikis to be graded.

    Create new course shell

    Several weeks prior to the beginning of a term, course shells will be generated. If you don’t see your course listed, call the Helpdesk at 5200.

    Copy a course

    Go to your new course shell. 

    • ↓ Administration
      • → Import

    Select originating course from:

    • → Courses I have taught
    • or
    • → Courses in the same category
    • or
    • → Search courses

    ☑ Select originating course

    ☑ Select All / None / or individual items to be imported

    • → Continue (to verify selections)
      • → Continue (outline of contents)
        • → Continue (to execute import)
          • → Continue (go to new course)
    Start in your new course shell, then import from old course.New course must have the same number of visible sections (topics) as the old course. 

    These instructions will copy all course content (files, forums, etc.), but will NOT copy enrollments or any student data (forum posts, submitted assignments, etc.).

    This may take a while, depending of number and size of files in your original course.

    About the authors

    Ben McFadyenBen McFayden is an Academic Technology Consultant with Elon University’s Teaching and Learning Technologies. Dan Reis is an Instructional Technologist with Elon University’s Teaching and Learning Technologies.
    Also posted in Moodle, Moodle Musings | Comments Off on Navigating Moodle for the Blackboard user

    Blackboard Learn Upgrade: The Grade Center

    The Blackboard Learn Grade Center is more than just a way to record students’ grades; it is a dynamic and interactive tool. The Grade Center can record data, monitor student progress and communicate information to students. Use this valuable tool to help understand student progress and make informed decisions on how to improve educational performance.

    Grade Center Enhancements

    • Creating and taking Tests have several enhancements to reduce errors and increase efficiency.
      • Test-takers are reminded to submit answers before they are allowed to leave a test.
      • Random Blocks and Question Sets are both available for instructors to add groups of questions to tests. Random Blocks pull questions into a test from a pool based on certain criteria. They are dynamic and reflect changes to the question pool. Question Sets are static and are made up of specific questions selected to be in the Question Set used in the Test.
      • Question and response statistics are displayed for each question on the Assessments Attempts page.
    • The Grade Center has been enhanced to improve grading efficiencies and reduce errors.
      • Instructors are prompted to save or delete specific Grade Center columns when deleting a Group with gradable Blogs, Journals, Wikis, or Discussion Forums or Threads.
      • Instructors navigating away and then back to the Grade Center in one login session are returned to the last scroll point they   viewed or graded in the grid.www.blackboard.com
      • Instructors can color code Grade Center cells that meet certain criteria such as grade threshold, exempted grade and so on. This new feature helps instructors spot trends and action areas in large Grade Centers.

    Additional Grade Center Resources

    Also posted in Announcements, Elon Tech Buzz, Teaching and Learning, Technology@Elon | Comments Off on Blackboard Learn Upgrade: The Grade Center

    Blackboard Learn Upgrade: Blogs, Wikis, and Journals

    This week’s topic highlights the addition of blogs, wikis, and journals in the new Blackboard Learn. When used together, these tools allow students collaborate, share information with their classmates, and post private information seen only by the instructor. Learn more about each tool below and how you can integrate them into your course.

    Blackboard Blogs

    A blog is a collaborative collection of information, similar to an online discussion board. Collaboration occurs as entries from multiple people collect in one place, but each participant’s entry is only editable by that person.

    • What we did / will do in class” — created by the instructor, but students can comment. It saves instructor the time it takes to answer the question for multiple students, one by one, via Email.
    • If a classroom activity isn’t tied to a particular assignment, this can be a simple way to have your students hand in their work for “Class Participation” points. Then they can easily look at each others’ work, too.
    • Students could enter their “muddiest points” of what was covered in class. Then they and the instructor can see all the entries and know whether there is a trend or not.
    • Have an online discussion about a topic. Students who don’t usually participate verbally in class have a safe place to express their views.
    • When the blog is embedded in Blackboard, participants can find it easily and the grades are automatically entered into the Bb Grade Center. It is also shielded from the outside world, which can be considered both a plus and a minus.

    Blackboard Wikis

    A Wiki is a Web page(s) where people can work collaboratively. The most common example is Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that allows anyone in the world to contribute content to it. What makes a wiki unique is that multiple participants can edit the same page, and everyone can view it. The instructor can access the Wiki content and collaborate, too.

    • Allow groups to coordinate projects easily without the usual scheduling hassles of meeting in person.
    • Let the whole class access create/complete a study guide for the next test.
    • When the Wiki is embedded in Blackboard, participants can find it easily and the grades are automatically entered into the Bb Grade Center. It is also shielded from the outside world, which can be considered both a plus and a minus.

    Blackboard Journals

    A journal is an online diary which contains entries that normally only the individual student and the instructor can access. The privacy factor and the separate individual entries makes the journal different from a blog or a wiki. Journals are also indexed weekly or monthly.

    Journals have two prime uses — as a personal writing space and as a private communication tool with the instructor. The most common use of a journal is as a private diary to share and store personal reflections. When the journal is embedded in Blackboard, participants can find it easily and the grades are automatically entered into the Bb Grade Center. It is also shielded from the outside world, which can be considered both a plus and a minus.

    Also posted in Announcements, Elon Tech Buzz, Teaching and Learning | Comments Off on Blackboard Learn Upgrade: Blogs, Wikis, and Journals

    Blackboard Learn Upgrade: The Course Environment

    Blackboard Learn is coming December 22, 2010. This week’s post highlights some of the changes to the course environment within the Blackboard Learn interface.  The redesigned interface decreases the number of clicks, adds drag and drop functionality, and an edit button that allows you to quickly switch between instructor view and student view.

    Here are a few course environment enhancements we think will improve your experience in Blackboard.

    Fewer Clicks Everywhere
    Users will enjoy using fewer clicks to navigate the system and complete tasks.

    Reorganization of Course Management Actions
    Course Management features, such as the Control Panel and action bars, have been re-organized to align with the day-to-day tasks performed by instructors, increasing efficiency and becoming more task-appropriate.

    Edit in Place
    The ability to easily edit the course menu and switch back and forth between student and instructor view saves time. Instructors also no longer need to switch to a separate control panel to perform course editing functions.

    Course Pages
    Courses can have a start page that provides a portal like environment with various modules, instead of the typical announcements list.  Items such as announcements, what’s new, calendar, and tasks as well as other modules can appear on the course home page.

    Easily Accessible Control Panel
    All options in the Control Panel are now available from the main course menu. Instructors no longer have to navigate to a separate area of the course to access these options.

    In-line Add, Edit, and Drag and Drop
    In-line actions and drag and drop results in quicker Course Menu set up and management; instructors no longer have to navigate to multiple areas of the course to access these controls and they can complete each action with fewer clicks.

    Also posted in Elon Tech Buzz, Teaching and Learning, Technology@Elon | Comments Off on Blackboard Learn Upgrade: The Course Environment

    Blackboard Learn Preview Sessions

    Learn more by attending one of our identical Blackboard Learn Preview sessions. Registration is not required.

    Main Campus (Belk 115) — Sessions begin at 10:00am, 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 3:00pm on the following dates:
    ·         Tuesday, November 16
    ·         Wednesday, November 17

    Law School – Session begins at 10:00am
    ·         Thursday, November 18

    Also posted in e-net, Teaching and Learning, Technology@Elon | Comments Off on Blackboard Learn Preview Sessions

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