TO: 	Update: Faculty Can Now Access the Blackboard Learning Management System

FROM:	Information Technology Services (ITS)

CC:	Campus Computing Committees (IACC, AACC, IRMPPC, SC3)
	LAN and Lab Coordinators

RE:	Blackboard 6.1 System is AVAILABLE


WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT TO ME?

With the successful migration and installation of the new release of Blackboard 6.1, ITS is now able to provide a temporary access site to Blackboard effective Wednesday 12/22 at 8 AM. We recommend that you take this time to develop Winter courses and gain experience with BlackboardÕs new tools. By Sunday (12/26) afternoon, the PortalÕs My Course Info channel will be functioning with access to Blackboard 6.1 courses.

HOW CAN I SEE MY COURSES ON 6.1?

Between 12/22 and 12/26 all instructors may access their Blackboard 6.1 courses in the newly released version via a temporary web site (http://prbbap01.calpoly.edu/webapps/portal/bb.jsp?useCas=1) until the PortalÕs ÒMy Course InfoÓ channel is updated Sunday 12/26 after 1:00pm. At that time, you should access Blackboard in the traditional manner via the Cal Poly Portal.

SYSTEM RELIABILITY AND SUPPORT?

The Blackboard system is now ready for courseware development. All files that are added or updated will remain in the courses. The new system has been placed on a complete backup routine schedule and the Blackboard 5.5 system will remain available to ITS Blackboard Administrators, if needed. 

Blackboard 6.1 tutorials, tips & tricks, and pedagogical pointers are available on the new support site http://blackboardsupport.calpoly.edu. 

NEED HELP?

If you would like to attend Blackboard 6.1 workshops, please register through TLSÉ
1. Go to the Cal Poly Portal http://my.calpoly.edu 
2. Within the Single Click Access channel (Main Tab), click on the Computer Training Registration ÒGoÓ icon.

FACULTY RESOURCES FOR BLACKBOARD UPGRADE

All subsequent planning activities on the Blackboard upgrade will continue to be reviewed with the Instructional Advisory Committee on Computing (IACC).

To view a list of current Blackboard issues (PowerPoint OS X & Buttons), please visit http://blackboardsupport.calpoly.edu/Bb6Files/content/about/issues.html 

If you have specific concerns or questions, please e-mail blackboardsupport@calpoly.edu.

If you have any questions or suggestions, or would like more information, please contact your college IACC representative. You may find contact information at: http://iacc.calpoly.edu/members.html.

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Tonia Malone
Instructional Designer / Blackboard Administrator
Building 14, room 102
(805) 756-6336
Technology & Learning Services, California Polytechnic State University, SLO
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