Blackboard 9 Frequently Asked Questions

Is Blackboard 9 Backwards Compatible with Blackboard 8?

Blackboard 9 Next-Generation is about 98% backwards compatible with the current Blackboard 8 production system. When we switch the whole campus from Blackboard 8 to Blackboard 9 Next-Generation, all existing Blackboard sites will be seamlessly migrated and available to you without requiring any changes. Besides the obvious change in looks of Blackboard 9 Next-Generation, everything else including the left hand side navigation will stay the same in Blackboard 9.

What can I use for students to submit files since the Digital Dropbox is no longer available?

The digital dropbox is no longer available in Blackboard 9. Instead there are a number of options available:

1. Assignment Manager: The assignment manager allows you can easily retreive the digital files through the Grade Center and even grade, indicate errors etc. and re-uplaod the files to download and view from the student's end.
   • The Assignment Manager has always been able to batch download assignments, clearly identify each student submitted file by UIC netid, support for public and private comments and ability for instructors to access student drafts.
   • Adaptive Release further enhances the Assignment manager. Blackboard 9 Assignment Manager now supports group assignment submission so there is no need to create student groups just for group submissions.
2. Groups File Exchange "Drop Box": Use the groups area as a file storage space for group projects.
3. Content System: Use the content system as a large repository area for files. You can even enable versioning to ensure the latest file is posted on the server if you decide to use 1 large class Web disk. As an alternate you could also create an individual folder for each student and versioning would not be necessary. www.accc.uic.edu/itl/webdisks
   • For the use of 1 large repository students should follow a nice netid.filename.filetype file naming convention and in case they don't teachers should activate WebDisk's Versioning feature.
4. Blogs & Wikis: Each student can have their own personal blog and/or wiki to upload individual files (expo sites).
   • File attachments are also supported by the Bblackboard 9 blogs and journal and by Bblackboard 9's Visual Text Box Editor (VTBE)
5. Portfolios: The use of portfolios is also a good solution if you like the wizard and overall page layout features that come with portfolios.
6. Quizzing: Blackbaord 9 has a quiz "question type" called upload student file.

For more information please visit the Blackboard 9 Wiki and view the section titled "Sharing Files".

How do I a ctivate a blackboard student account?

A good practice to ensure all functionality of your Blackboard course appears, functions, populates the Grade Center and is deployed correctly is to activate a secondary student Blackboard account. You will have a new login ID "netID.bb" and you will use the same password as your primary ACCC common password (same password you access UIC Webmail etc.). After the account is activated (takes up to 30 minutes) you can then enroll your secondary account into your Blackboard course and test appropriately.

• Click here to authenticate and activate your Secondary Blackboard Account

How do I list all users in my course?

• Select "equal to" in the drop down box and enter "%" in the text field or
• Select “Not Blank” or include “@” in the search field.