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

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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.

  1. In the Create Web Link window, give the item a name.
  2. In URL text box enter the URL of the YouTube video copied earlier (or press CTRL + V to paste).

  3. Enter a description if you like.
  4. Add a file under Browse My Computer if you choose.
  5. Once you are satisfied with your settings click Submit.
  6. 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.