Duke University will upgrade Blackboard from version 6.3 to version 8.0. During the conversion, from Thursday, May 7 at 6 pm through Sunday, May 10 at 6 pm, Blackboard will not be available. After that, say hello to Blackboard 8.0! All of your materials stored on Blackboard will be transferred to the new version and will be available after the upgrade. Course sites for Fall 2009 will be created after the upgrade, in the last week of May. However, an instructor may request a course site (requires Duke net id) at any time.
Overall, the new version of Blackboard looks and acts similarly to our previous version, and some people may not notice any change at all. Those who use the gradebook (renamed Grade Center to reflect changes) and the Discussion Board will notice the biggest changes.
This upgrade is to ensure that Blackboard, Inc. will continue to provide support for our system.
Where instructors can get help:
- attend a workshop at the CIT showcase
- attend a workshop in May
- contact CIT to arrange for training for a group of instructors, or an office visit to help you get started
- our Blackboard help pages will be updated with short video tutorials and more information at the same time
