• Beginning of Semester Procedures

    The following processes should to be done to prepare for a new academic term for courses using Blackboard.

    Reinstating courses to the Blackboard server
    Want to create a new Blackboard course shell that is based on a previous course? Not a problem. Simply send your request to the helpdesk via email at helpdesk@delmar.edu or call 698-2330. If you would like to restore a course backup, you will need to send your backup file either through an e-mail attachment or on a CD through Campus Mail.

    Backup your course and download backup to your local computer
    Backing up your course to your local computer allows you to keep a copy of your course, including student data, discussion postings, calendar entries, e-mails and other course information. The time required to backup a course depends on the size of the course. Large courses may take over 10 minutes to back up; Publisher courses may take over 20 minutes to back up.

    Do not attempt to open the backup zip file.  Backup file is not the same as ordinary zip files and can be damaged by attempting to fix the file with most unzip programs.  The file can only be unzipped in Blackboard.

    Resetting your course
    By resetting your course, all student data will be removed without affecting course content such as files, links to files, layout of course, or tool access.  If you have questions about any step in the process and to request your course to be reset, please email helpdesk@delmar.edu.

    After course has been reset, several steps are involved Check your selective release conditions/criteria.

     

    1. Check your quiz release dates. 
    2. If using the Assignment tool, check your assignment release dates. 
    3. Add new dates to your calendar tool. 
    4. Add new dates to your syllabus. 
    5. If using the My Grades tool, check that you're revealing the proper columns. 
    6. Post a discussion message welcoming your students. 
    7. If using a "Start Here" page, verify that it includes current data. Ensure that students are made aware of Blackboard orientation. 
    8. Post a note to your students reminding them to check their browser version and their proper browser settings. They can get information about browser versions and settings at the Blackboard browser tuneup page. Del Mar College is using Blackboard Campus Edition 8.0 (CE 8.0). 

    Students Rosters
    Student rosters will be imported by first day of classes by E-Learning support technicians. For any questions on this process, please contact E-Learning Services Department at 698-1312.