What is happening?
In 2023, several UQ-developed Blackboard tools will undergo updates to improve their technical robustness and reliability. These tools include SI-net Merge, Grades Upload (grade transfer from Blackboard to SI-net), Bulk Group Manager, External users, Electronic Course Profile link, Grade Check report, OHS Status report and the Unavailable Course report.
How was this project initiated?
The updates to these tools was initiated by ITS as a component of the Blackboard Building Block replacement project.
Why are the tools being updated?
These UQ-developed tools are based on Blackboard Building Block technology. The vendor will be decommissioning this technology at the end of
2023, so the tools need to be rebuilt with a new technology base. The update will also improve the technical robustness and reliability of the tools.
Will there be changes to the functionality of the tools?
There will be minor changes to the tool interfaces and the location from which they are accessed in Learn.UQ. All tools will retain the same functionality.
SI-net Merge
The SI-net Merge tool was updated on 12 April 2023. The tool is now accessible from the Control Panel > Course Tools rather than Grade Centre. There has be no change to the functionality of the tool.
Upload Grades to SI-net
The Upload Grades to SI-net tool was updated on 17 May 2023. The tool is now accessible from the Control Panel > Course Tools rather than Grade Centre. There has be no change to the functionality of the tool.
External Users tool
The External Users tool was updated on 25th October 2023. The tool is now accessible from Control Panel > Course Tools in the same location it was previously found. This will now launch an Extra Mural form outside of Blackboard, however the request process is largely unchanged. For detailed instructions on using the new tool, please see External Users tool guide.
Other tool updates
The timing of updates for the Bulk Group Manager, External users, Electronic Course Profile (ECP) link, Grade Check report, OHS Status report, and Unavailable Course report will be communicated throughout 2023 and 2024.
Note: Transitioning to LTI means changing how the tool is integrated with Learn.UQ (Blackboard). This will have minimal to no impact on the end-user experience.
Tool | Vendor | Status | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
Echo360 Video Library | Echo360 | Available | Continuing until June 2024, transitioning to LTI |
Impact Connector | Impact | Available | Continuing until June 2024, transitioning to LTI |
ExamSoft | ExamSoft | Available | Transitioning to vendor LTI |
Kaltura Integration | Kaltura | Available | Continuing until June 2024, transitioning to LTI |
Basic LTI tools | OSCELOT | Unavailable |
|
Tweak | QUT | Unavailable |
|
Quick Enrol V2 | QUT & Bond | Available | Transitioning to out-of-the-box functionality from Anthology (Blackboard) |
Talis Aspire resource lists | Talis | Unavailable | Transitioned to vendor LTI |
Assignment File Upload | UQ | Unavailable | Transitioned to Gradescope |
Bulk Group Manager | UQ | Unavailable | Transitioned to out-of-the-box functionality from Anthology (Blackboard) |
Electronic Course Profile | UQ | Unavailable | Transitioned to the new solution |
Evasys Wrapper | UQ | Unavailable | Transitioned to the new solution |
External User Access | UQ | Disabled | Transitioned to new LTI and ExtraMural form |
Non-standard population | UQ | Available |
|
OHS Status | UQ | Available |
|
Unavailable Course Report | UQ | Available | Transitioning to out-of-the-box functionality from Anthology (Blackboard) |
UQ Allocate Group Manager | UQ | Unavailable | Transitioned to the new solution |
Turning Technologies | Turning Technologies | Available |
|
Turnitin Assignment | Turnitin | Unavailable | Already transitioned to vendor LTI |
UQ Peer Assessment | UQ | Unavailable | Transitioned to Buddycheck |
MyLabsPlus Bridge | USF | Unavailable |
|
What are the communication plans?
The tool updates are being communicated to staff through a variety of channels including:
- regular articles in Teaching and eLearning News
- a campaign through school and faculty communication channels
- pop-up notices for staff in Learn.UQ (Blackboard)
- a text message in the Learn.UQ Institution page
- a presentation at the Directors of Teaching and Learning meeting
- a presentation at the Academic Services Managers Committee
- a presentation at the eLearning Operational Forum
- a presentation at the eLearning Update
- specialised workshops
- guide updates: creating new, updating existent and unpublishing the old guides
- direct emails to the current tool users informing of the changes to teh tool availabilit and support offered.
Contact
If staff have any questions about the updates to these tools, they can contact the project team at elearningadvisers@uq.edu.au.