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Instructional Technology News — June 1, 2022

Hello instructors,

It’s June, and summer teaching and learning are underway! This is Melissa from The Center for Instructional Technology with some instructional technology news and tips.

Updates to Cengage in Blackboard

On May 25, CIT updated the method used for connecting Cengage MindLinks with Blackboard. Instructors will follow the same process for adding Cengage content in Blackboard: Partner Content > Content Market > Cengage. Please see Cengage’s Integrate MindTap With Your Blackboard Course, and let us know if you have any questions.

Goodbye Blackboard Student View, hello Student Preview – June 2022

In June 2022, CIT will enable Student Preview for UA’s instance of Blackboard Learn. With Student Preview, you can experience your course exactly as your students do, submitting assignments, taking tests, view student tools such as My Grades, and more. Student Preview replaces Student View. Additional information and instructions for using Student Preview are available in the CIT knowledge base: How can I see what students will see when viewing my Blackboard course?

Blackboard Collaborate scheduled maintenance – Thursday, June 9

Blackboard will update UA’s instance of Blackboard Collaborate to Collaborate version 22.10 on Thursday, June 9 from 1:00 a.m. CDT to 5:00 a.m. CDT.: Blackboard Collaborate Scheduled Maintenance – June 9

Panopto retention policy and archive – Friday, June 10

Beginning June 10, Panopto recordings created more than 2 years ago will be automatically archived. To retrieve an archived recording, follow these steps: How to Restore Archived Content

CIT’s Panopto retention settings are in keeping with UA’s LMS Course Retention Policy, which states that courses are subject to removal from the system two years following the end of the semester in which they are taught: LMS Course Retention Policy FAQ.

Upgrade Windows 10

OIT has made it easy to for faculty and staff to upgrade computer operating systems. Beginning in June, faculty and staff with OIT-supported Windows computers will begin receiving announcements on their computers to upgrade Windows 10 to the newest supported version, 10 21H2. Visit the OIT website for more information: Upgrade Windows 10 – 21H2

We’re here to help

Your colleagues in The Center for Instructional Technology provide training, support, workshops, webinars, and consultations for UA’s instructional technologies and technology accessibility. Submit a help request or join us at an upcoming webinar.

Want more updates from CIT? Subscribe to our news updates and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Instructional Technology News – May 13, 2022

Hello instructors,

Melissa from The Center for Instructional Technology here with some instructional technology news.

Changes to Turnitin

On May 11, CIT updated the method used for connecting Blackboard to Turnitin. The new connection method allows for more seamless system updates in the future and offers an improved student submission process. While the update brings some user interface changes, the service retains the same features.

All Turnitin assignments need to be created with the new tool (see How do I create a new Turnitin assignment?). Assignments created with the old Turnitin tool are still available and viewable in courses, but they cannot be recreated by using the course copy process (see How do I view submissions for an old Turnitin assignment?). More information about the change and guides to using the new Turnitin are available in CIT’s instructional technology knowledge base: Changes to Turnitin in 2022.

Updates to Labster in Blackboard

On May 11, CIT updated the method used for connecting Labster with Blackboard. The new process for adding simulations in Blackboard is simpler and no longer requires downloading and re-uploading your desired sims; instead, you can link the sims directly from the Build Content page within Blackboard. CIT sent information about this change to instructors who have previously used Labster simulations within their Blackboard courses. Please see Blackboard – How to add Labster simulations to your course (LTI 1.3), and let us know if you have any questions.

Crimson Google Account Service Ends – Monday, May 16

OIT will decommission Crimson Google accounts on Monday, May 16. Unlike the May 2021 email migration, OIT will not migrate Google Drive content for students and alumni. Individuals are responsible for exporting or migrating all content they wish to keep. Faculty and staff who shared content with students using Google Drive should now use OneDrive. Visit the OIT website to see step-by-step guides for migrating content.

Blackboard Cleanup – Tuesday, May 17

On May 17, CIT will disable access to selected courses in Blackboard Learn. Courses that begin with the following semester codes are subject to removal in accordance with UA’s LMS Course Retention Policy:

  • 201740 – Fall 2017
  • 201810 – Spring 2018
  • 201830 – Summer 2018
  • 201840 – Fall 2018
  • 201910 – Spring 2019
  • 201930 – Summer 2019

UA’s LMS Course Retention Policy states that courses are subject to removal from the system two years following the end of the semester in which they are taught. Students and instructors should save any materials they wish to keep.  More information on the policy and instructions for backing up Blackboard content are available in the LMS Course Retention Policy FAQ.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day and Fix Your Content Day – Thursday, May 19

Thursday, May 19 marks the 11th annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). GAAD’s purpose is “to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital (web, software, mobile, etc.) access/inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments.”

As part of our campus-wide commitment to inclusive education, and in celebration of GAAD, we will participate in the Blackboard Ally “Fix your Content Day Challenge,” host a Fixathon, and share accessibility resources and offering live, online opportunities to learn about accessibility throughout the day. Save the date and learn more: Global Accessibility Awareness Day and Fix Your Content Day.

We’re here to help

Your colleagues in The Center for Instructional Technology provide training, support, workshops, webinars, and consultations for UA’s instructional technologies and technology accessibility. Submit a help request or join us at an upcoming webinar.

Want more updates from CIT? Subscribe to our news updates and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Known Issue: Blackboard invalid grade error message

Instructors submitting final grades by importing grades from Blackboard may receive the error message “You have selected an invalid grade. Please contact the registrar.”
If this error message is encountered, try this possible workaround:
  1. Change any F, W, or I grades to “none” by utilizing the dropdown menus next to those students.
  2. Click Submit.
  3. This should submit most of the grades (A-D).
  4. Manually enter the grades that are assigned “none” and submit again.
Otherwise, grades must be entered manually rather than being imported from Blackboard (see University Registrar: How do I assign midterm and final grades?).

Panopto Bug Alert: Copied Folder Permissions Issue

CIT has learned of an issue where a small number of folders on our Panopto site had the incorrect users/groups added to the share page as part of a copy process. This bug that caused this issue was fixed in March, and Panopto is removing the incorrectly added permissions on Tuesday, May 17.

From Panopto:

We discovered an issue where a small number of folders on your site had the incorrect users/groups added to the share page as part of a copy process.

What is the bug?

When a subfolder that was inheriting access from its parent was copied and subsequently moved, users who had access to the copied folder, via inheritance, retained that access after the folder was moved. The users would have been visible on the share page of each folder but creators and admins may not have noticed the additional users after moving the folder. See the below diagram to help explain:

How long was this bug active?

This bug was discovered on February 24th and was active from the release of v12.0 (January 7th – 8th) and was fixed in v12.5 (March 24th and 25th).

When will this bug be fixed?

This bug was fixed on March 24th and 25th. We apologize for the delayed notification of this email. Due to the complex nature of this bug, it took a large amount of effort to track down the folders that might be impacted.

What do I need to do?

Nothing. We will remove the incorrectly added permissions for the users/groups. These changes will be made on Tuesday, May 17th.

How will Panopto prevent future recurrence of this bug?

We’ve added automated tests to ensure that permissions are not copied when folders that inherit access are copied.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Our Engineering leaders are standing by to meet with your team if you would like to discuss this further.

Real-time information about Panopto status, as well as updates about scheduled maintenance and past incidents, is available on the Panopto status page.

Instructional Technology News – May 2, 2022

Hello instructors,

This is Melissa from The Center for Instructional Technology. I can’t believe the end of the semester is already here! We have some instructional technology news and tips to help you finish strong.

Known Issue: Some Spring 2022 Blackboard Learn courses missing from user course list

Some users have reported that certain Spring 2022 courses are no longer available in Blackboard Learn. Please report to cit@ua.edu any courses that should be available and no longer are listed or are denying access. CIT is investigating the issue. This announcement will be updated when more information is available: Known Issue: Some Spring 2022 Blackboard Learn courses missing from user course list

Testing tips for students

If you administer final exams via Blackboard Learn, you might share these testing tips with your students:

  • Use a wired Internet connection.
  • Close/quit other computer programs.
  • Read the test instructions. Details may include a time limit, number of attempts, and backtracking options.
  • Minimize use of the mouse scroll wheel. Scrolling the wheel may inadvertently change your answer.
  • Save your answers. Click the Save Answer button for every question.
  • Click Submit.

Additional tips for being prepared and getting connected: Testing Tips for Students.

Final grades due May 10 at midnight

Final grades are due Tuesday, May 10 at 11:59 p.m. Any missing grades as of the 11:59 p.m. deadline will result in grades of “N” being assigned as placeholders. Instructors will then be required to submit grade change requests to correct all “N” grades.

Helpful grading information:

Reporting a non-attendance grade? Find the date the student last accessed your Blackboard course using the Performance Dashboard or by viewing the Last Access column in the Grade Center grid.

Turnitin changes coming May 11

A Turnitin change coming on May 11 will alter how instructors access the Turnitin tool; the tool will be located under a new menu, but its functionality will remain the same.  CIT suggests instructors wait until after this transition to build summer and fall Turnitin assignments. More information about the upcoming update: Changes to Turnitin in 2022.

Blackboard cleanup May 17

On May 17, CIT will disable access to selected courses in Blackboard Learn. Courses that begin with the following semester codes are subject to removal in accordance with UA’s LMS Course Retention Policy:

  • 201740 – Fall 2017
  • 201810 – Spring 2018
  • 201830 – Summer 2018
  • 201840 – Fall 2018
  • 201910 – Spring 2019
  • 201930 – Summer 2019

UA’s LMS Course Retention Policy states that courses are subject to removal from the system two years following the end of the semester in which they are taught. Students and instructors should save any materials they wish to keep.  More information on the policy and instructions for backing up Blackboard content are available in the LMS Course Retention Policy FAQ.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day and Fix Your Content Day May 19

Thursday, May 19 marks the 11th annual Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). GAAD’s purpose is “to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital (web, software, mobile, etc.) access/inclusion, and the more than One Billion people with disabilities/impairments.”

As part of our campus-wide commitment to inclusive education, and in celebration of GAAD, we will participate in the Blackboard Ally “Fix your Content Day Challenge,” host a Fixathon, and share accessibility resources and offering live, online opportunities to learn about accessibility throughout the day. Save the date and learn more: Global Accessibility Awareness Day and Fix Your Content Day.

More news from CIT and OIT

We’re here to help

Your colleagues in The Center for Instructional Technology provide training, support, workshops, webinars, and consultations for UA’s instructional technologies and technology accessibility. Submit a help request or join us at an upcoming webinar.

Want more updates from CIT? Subscribe to our news updates and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

RESOLVED – Known Issue: Some Spring 2022 Blackboard Learn courses missing from user course list

Update 5/3/2022 8:49 a.m.: This issue has been resolved.

About 30 fully online UA Online courses had end dates erroneously indicated as April 29, denying access to enrolled students and limiting visibility for instructors. The courses have now been made available. Anyone still unable to access Spring 2022 courses should email cit@ua.edu.

Some users have reported that certain Spring 2022 courses are no longer available in Blackboard Learn. Please report to cit@ua.edu any courses that should be available and no longer are listed or are denying access. CIT is investigating the issue. This announcement will be updated when more information is available.

Panopto Scheduled Maintenance and Mandatory Client Upgrade

Update 6/22/2022 9:15 a.m.:

On Saturday, June 25th 2022, the Panopto Cloud will be updated with the latest features and improvements. These updates will require downtime. We expect up to 3 hours of downtime, with a target start time of 9:00pm EDT.

During the downtime, you will not be able to access videos on your Panopto site and any attempts to upload from recording clients will result in a “Server unable to connect” message.

From Panopto:

Panopto Cloud Downtime

On Saturday, June 25th 2022, Panopto will upgrade all Panopto Cloud sites to our latest release. This upgrade will require downtime. We will announce the exact time and expected duration of the downtime on Tuesday, June 7th, along with information on what’s new in the June update. Please see the cloud upgrade FAQ article for more information.

Mandatory Client Upgrade

On Thursday, July 21st, we will require Panopto for Windows & Remote Recorders to be upgraded to version 12.0.0 or above and Panopto for Mac to version 11.1.0 or above. The upgrade will be applied to your Panopto site at 8:00pm EDT/5pm PDT.

For any questions, please contact Panopto Support online by logging into support.panopto.com or by emailing support@panopto.com.

Real-time information about Panopto status, as well as updates about scheduled maintenance and past incidents, is available on the Panopto status page.

Blackboard Collaborate Scheduled Maintenance – May 12

From Blackboard:

Apr 28, 17:08 EDT

Scheduled – Blackboard will be deploying our Collaborate v22.08 release to the US region (https://us.bbcollab.com), hosted in AWS (US – Virginia): us-east-1.

Start Time:

Thursday, May 12, 2022 2:00 AM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) UTC/GMT -4 hours

End Time:

Thursday, May 12, 2022 6:00 AM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) UTC/GMT -4 hours

Collaborate customers will experience intermittent availability during the maintenance window. For more information, please refer to: Collaborate Version 22.08 Release

Date Published: Apr 28, 2022

Real-time information about Blackboard status, as well as updates about scheduled maintenance and past incidents, is available on the Blackboard status page.

Blackboard cleanup May 17

On May 17, 2022, CIT will disable access to selected courses in Blackboard Learn. Courses that begin with the following semester codes are subject to removal in accordance with UA’s LMS Course Retention Policy:

  • 201740 – Fall 2017
  • 201810 – Spring 2018
  • 201830 – Summer 2018
  • 201840 – Fall 2018
  • 201910 – Spring 2019
  • 201930 – Summer 2019

UA’s LMS Course Retention Policy states that courses are subject to removal from the system two years following the end of the semester in which they are taught. Students and instructors should save any materials they wish to keep.  More information on the policy and instructions for backing up Blackboard content are available in the LMS Course Retention Policy FAQ.

Known Issue: Learn SaaS 3900.37.0 Update Problems

Today’s (4/21/22) update to Blackboard Learn may have caused issues with certain features and integrations. If you experience unexpected outcomes or error messages in Blackboard, please report to cit@ua.edu. Include a screenshot and steps to replicate for the quickest resolution.