The questions and answers on this page address some of the details of the Brightspace implementation. If you are looking for information about how to use Brightspace, please see the “Help Documents” page on the course menu.
Blackboard Archive Plans
When is the last day I can access UVM Blackboard (bb.uvm.edu)?
The last day for all users to access bb.uvm.edu is September 8, 2023.
Will Blackboard courses be archived?
UVM has partnered with a D2L vendor to provide archival services. The vendor has been vetted and meets UVM data security and privacy standards.
Instructors can submit a request to access data in a course by completing this form. Content and student data are not “export packages” that you are familiar with, and retrieval of archived data will not be self-service.
Students need to contact the instructor of the course if they are looking for data.
What if I need immediate access to student data or files from my Spring 2020 – Summer 2021 courses?
Prior to September 8, 2023, if you want to make sure that you do not have to wait for access to archived student data (i.e., grades, submissions), then you can save and download the Blackboard Grade Center before access ends on September 8th. Individual student assignment submissions can also be downloaded from the Grade Center. Files that you’ve put into your course can be downloaded in bulk from your Blackboard course’s “Content Collection.” Directions for completing each of these tasks can be found on this UVM Knowledge Base article (web page).
Learning Brightspace
How do I learn how to use Brightspace?
The Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) offers flexible options for learning Brightspace. Visit the Training web page for a list of current sessions and to access recordings of previous sessions. If you prefer to learn on your own, CTL is curating resources from other institutions, developing a self-paced demonstration course, and developing other text and video how-to guides. CTL is hosting a variety of workshops, focusing on course migration and tool functionality. You can also schedule an individual consultation; visit this booking page for available times.
Can I start exploring Brightspace now?
You can request a practice space, or sandbox, by completing the form found on this page. This is a practice space only and cannot be used to deliver courses once Brightspace is launched for students.
Moving from Blackboard to Brightspace
When and how will my Blackboard courses be moved to Brightspace?
Courses will automatically be moved into Brightspace in phases:
- Most Fall 2022 courses have been automatically moved. Some very large courses have not been moved yet.
- Summer 2022 courses are in the process of being moved and will be available soon. Only pre-selected pilot courses will be taught in Summer 2023.
- Spring 2022 courses are being moved; the process started on February 28, 2023.
- Fall 2021 will be moved automatically starting April 15, 2023.
- Spring 2023 courses will be moved automatically starting May 31, 2023.†
Is there anything I should do to my Blackboard courses before they are moved?
The migration process moves all your content, but not student work or grades, from Blackboard to Brightspace. While Blackboard courses that include student grades will be archived at the systems level, if you use the Blackboard gradebook, download that for easy access and for your records.
If you have material in Blackboard courses that you know you won’t need in the future (e.g. very old readings, or duplicate folders), you can declutter your courses now so that you have a cleaner Brightspace in the future.
Large video files (or dozen of smaller files) can be problematic in the migration process. Consider moving your files to UVM Streaming and removing them from your Blackboard course prior to migration. You can also store files (including video) to OneDrive.
What will I see in Brightspace after the migration is complete?
- For every course moved from Blackboard, you will have a converted Brightspace course holding migrated content.
- You will have a sandbox space you can use to layout your course design and create content.
- After the Registrar’s Schedule of Courses is complete for the given term, you will see the “live” course space that will contain student enrollments.
What are my options for preparing my Brightspace course?
- You can edit your converted Brightspace course (the course migrated from Blackboard).
- You can build a Brightspace course from scratch. Using your sandbox space, you can copy specific course elements from your converted space and/or add new content. Some faculty may find this easier than editing the converted course.
- Since you will likely be building your course prior to the creation of the “live” course (associated with the Schedule of Courses), you will have to copy your course one more time into the “live” course. This extra course copy will only be necessary during this phased migration.
Will I have help after my course has been migrated?
Yes! CTL will have resources to guide you, as you check your migrated course space. These resources include how-to documentation, check lists, videos, and consultations.