Mobile Support

Effective  August 31, 2017, Blackboard support for the Mobile Learn app ends. Mobile Learn was removed from app stores on August 1, 2017. Clients should now encourage the use of the “Blackboard” app for students & the “Blackboard Instructor” app for educators (released on July 20th, 2017). All users can expect increased efficiency with our simplified workflows built to complete on the go.  The Blackboard app is currently available on the Apple App, Google Play and Windows Stores and Blackboard Instructor is currently available on the Apple App and Google Play Stores.  

This initial launch of Blackboard Instructor focuses on key communication tools, as we know that student engagement is critical to success. Grading capabilities are currently being validated by users and will follow in the coming months. 

In the meantime, the Bb Grader app will continue to be available to give instructors access to mobile grading functionality.

Windows 10 Edge Browser

Blackboard does not support the use of the Windows 10 Edge Browser.  There have been reports of students unable to properly submit assignments and several other issues.

We recommend using Firefox or Chrome for use with Blackboard.

Update to Java 8 and Flash

In order to properly view rich media content such as videos, audio files, simulations, etc. we recommend users to update their Flash Settings.  Some users have also reported problems in submitting assignments and discussions, which require the newest Java 8 update.

Update Directions for Java 8
Update Directions for Flash

Security Certificate (https)

Blackboard recently upgraded its security certificate and the address now shows as https:// instead of http://.  As a result, videos that previously were listed as http:// for Ensemble, YouTube, etc., may have to have links updated to reflect the https://.  Instructors needing assistance, please contact the Faculty Center for Learning Development (FCLD) at 860-768-4256 or fcld@hartford.edu.

Missing content in Blackboard

FCLD has received several support calls about Instructors unable to view course content. In most cases, clearing the browser cache and cookies has fixed this issue.

In order to properly view rich media content such as videos, audio files, simulations, etc. we recommend users to update their Flash Settings.  Some users have also reported problems in submitting assignments and discussions, which require the newest Java 8 update.

Update Directions for Java 8
Update Directions for Flash

Instructors needing assistance, please contact the Faculty Center for Learning Development (FCLD) at 860-768-4256 or fcld@hartford.edu. Students should contact the helpdesk at 860-768-4357 (on campus) and 844-292-3213 (off campus).

Blackboard Retention Center

As of summer 2015, the table data in the Blackboard Retention Center is not refreshing properly.  FCLD is working with Blackboard  on this and will notify users when it has been remedied.

Blackboard YouTube Mashup Issue (affects YouTube Mashup, Slideshare Mashup and VideoAnywhere tools)

The Problem

Google changed the way YouTube videos are searched and this change affects several of the mashup tools in Blackboard courses, including the YouTube Mashup tool, VideoEverywhere, and SlideShare. 

Impact
This problem impacts Blackboard instructors in several ways:

• Blackboard instructors are no longer able to use the YouTube Mashup tool to add YouTube videos to courses and will have to use the Web Links tool instead.  Directions for doing so are included in this document.
• Blackboard instructors are not able to log in and use the Video Everywhere tool.  Instead, they will need to log in directly to their YouTube account, record using the Webcam Capture tool, then use the Web Links tool to add the video to their Blackboard course.
• Blackboard instructors using the Slideshare tool will not be able to preview videos prior to adding them to a course.

Solution

FCLD is currently working with Blackboard on a solution to fix these issues and once we have one, will send out notification to all faculty users of Blackboard, letting them know it has been fixed.

In the meantime, a workaround for embedding YouTube videos is outlined below.

First, copy the URL (web address) of the YouTube Video you would like to embed from YouTube’s site.  Here is how:

Navigate to http://youtube.com and search for your video.

1. Under the video, click the Share link.
2.  Next, highlight the URL address in the share box, press CTRL + C to copy the link

      Next, in your Blackboard course, navigate to the content area you would like to put your video.

1. Click the Build Content button.
2. Select Web Link.

3. In the Create Web Link window, give the item a name.
4. In URL text box enter the URL of the YouTube video copied earlier (or press CTRL + V to paste).
   
   
   
5. Enter a description if you like.
6. Add a file under Browse My Computer if you choose.
7. Once you are satisfied with your settings click Submit.
8. Test out the video link to be sure it is working. 

Faculty with concerns or questions about this or any other Blackboard-related issues should contact the Faculty Center for Learning Development at (860) 768-4661 or fcld@hartford.edu.