Instructional video stepping you thru the creating and functionality of Blackboard Collaborate Ultra in your course. Checklists: Accessibility Checklists for Word.docx Accessibility Checklist for Blackboard.docx

From either the Needs Grading page or the Grade Center within the course, access the student’s submission to provide inline grading feedback using Bb Annotate.  Download Instructor Quick Start Quide.pdf. More information on Annotate and Inline Grading (click the link to open a new tab).

Blackboard distributed these training links on different Grade Center topics.  Click the title of the topic to go to the correct training resource.  Blackboard Learn - Original Course View Attendance Customize the Grading Interface Color Code the Grade Data Grade Categories Grading Periods Grading Schemas Organize Grade Data Smart Views How Decimals Appear in Grades Grade Columns Grade History Grade Reports and Statistics Grading Tasks Assign Grades Calculate Grades Curve Grades Extra Credit Columns Needs Grading Page Override Grades View Grade Details Work Offline with Grade Data Navigate Grading Rubrics Grade with Rubrics Import and Export Rubrics Share and Reuse Grade Data Additional resource:  Instructors: Assessing Learners in Blackboard Learn YouTube Playlist Blackboard Learn - Ultra Course View Grading General Page for Ultra Course View Attendance Grade Columns  Grading Schemas Grading Tasks Assign Grades Calculate Grades Override Grades Work Offline with Grade Data Navigate Grading Rubrics Grade with Rubrics Additional resource:  Blackboard Learn with the Ultra Experience Tutorials - Instructors (YouTube Playlist) Additional Blackboard Learn Help Resources: Blackboard Learn Help for Instructors – Original Course View - FAQs Blackboard Learn Help for Instructors – Ultra Course View - FAQs Blackboard Learn Help YouTube Channel for Instructors   Have additional questions or technical issues?  Don't hesitate to contact VCSU Service Desk by sending a chat or submit a OneStop ticket. You can also send us an email at tsticket@vcsu.edu. 

Troubleshooting Tips includes information from Blackboard on using home networks and issues related to that. Click on blue hyperlinks below: Fall 2020 - FAQ Troubleshooting Tips

If you are getting the error message, "Local image paste has been disabled. Local images have been removed from pasted content", while pasting an image into a Blackboard content folder, wiki, discussion thread or text editor, Blackboard has disabled the paste function with images. The best way of inserting pics is by utilizing the Plus + icon as noted in the image below. By clicking the Plus + icon, you are able to upload an image from either your local device or from your course content are. So what changed? Blackboard limited the ability for users to cut and paste images into the VTBE editor to only small image files, and plan to turn off the ability completely in v3900.8.0. This change is due to performance issues caused by the paste process. Until the feature is turned off completely, users may be able to cut and paste smaller images, but they could not tell us at what size the paste will error. Users should utilize the Plus + icon to upload pictures into the editor. If you have questions about this update, please contact Brad or Tony at Enterprise Applications.

Issue: Student getting a warning stating "that the student must login using Lockdown Browser" even though the student is already logged into Lockdown Browser. This essentially keeps the student from ever viewing the attempt.  Solution: Respondus highly recommends students update to the latest version of LockDown Browser to avoid this from happening. Students can update here: https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?id=988740422 Background: Respondus believes this happens when students are using Bb Learn SaaS 3900.8.0 (our current Bb version 04.14.2021) and older versions of the Chromium engine used by LockDown Browser. If this should happen to a student using a current version of LockDown Browser, or If you have questions about this issue please let Technology Services know.

NDUS  CTS Academic Communication and Training  Blackboard Collaborate Ultra – FAQ’s August 2020   1. Connection Issue -- You see a spinning purple wheel when you join the session.                                     Clear Cache and re-launch your browser: Clear Cache on Firefox Clear Cache on Chrome   If that doesn’t work, check your browser settings to make sure it allows cookies from the Bb Collaborate site. 2. Failure to connect code -- If you get this message on your screen Try reconnecting as suggested.  If that doesn’t work, try joining from another network. If you can join from other locations, this means your network blocks your computer to access the session. Talk to your Internet service provider and ask them to permit HTML5 web socket connection. Otherwise you will need to find another network to join a Collaborate Session. 3. Camera Permission -- Upon the first time you enter Bb Collaborate Ultra, you may get this screen. You will need to give permission for your web browser to use your webcam and microphone. This is required to be done in order to use the camera and speak to users.             For instructions on how to give your web browser permission to use your webcam and microphone, go to Blackboard Help Troubleshooting  4.  Audio Issue -- You cannot hear others in the session  If you are using a headset, check if it is firmly plugged in to your computer and turned on. Try to change to another plugin slot. Check your speaker volume to make sure it is up. If the volume is up, but still can’t hear, go to the next step.  Leave the session and join the session again. If this doesn’t work, go to the next step.  Check to see that the correct speakers are selected for your OS.   Mac: go to Apple > System Preferences > Sound.  Windows 10: type in Sound on the search field at the bottom left, next to the windows icon; then choose “Sound Settings”; on the Settings page, under “Choose your output device”, select the speaker you want to use.    5. Audio Issue -- Others cannot hear you Make sure that your Mic is unmuted and the level bar on the mic icon moves up and down when you talk. If it still doesn’t work, go to the next step.  If you use a headset, check if it is firmly plugged in to your computer and turned on. Try to change to another plugin slot. If it still doesn’t work, go to the next step.  Run audio setup:   In your session window, click the purple icon at the bottom right to open the collaborate panel.   Click the gear icon to display “My Settings” panel.  Click “Set up your camera and microphone” and follow the screen instructions.  Pick the correct microphone (if you want to use a headset) and complete the setup.   If your microphone or speaker still does not work: Instructor: Email yourself a guest link and open that link on your phone. After you join the session from your phone, unmute the audio and use your phone’s audio for your session.  Student:   Instructor should send the student a guest link and let them open it on their phone and use phone’s audio for the session.   Unless they join by phone option which has already been scheduled for the session.  If using Chat would be enough, then ask students to use Chat.   6. Using the Course Room vs a Scheduled Session Within Bb Learn, you can create Collaborate sessions. There is always a default unlocked course room.  You also have the option of creating specific sessions for each day of class or by topic.   Make sure students are aware of which room to enter for class. Some users may have gone into the course room instead of the intended scheduled session.  Remember to provide instructions directing student’s which session to attend. An option would be to lock the course room so students only access the scheduled sessions.   7. Attendance options – how can I check attendance? There are a couple options for session and attendance reports.   a. Session Report – provides a list of those who attended, time they joined and time they left.    •    From the Sessions list, find the session you want •    Select the Session options menu and select View reports. •    Choose the report you want to view and select View Report.   This report provides details of the session and also allows you to export the report.  b. Attendance report to the Gradebook Attendance reporting is only available in sessions with an end date and time. Attendance is not tracked in course rooms. Instructors can host a Collaborate session without tracking attendance manually. Instructors can set criteria if a student is present, late, or absent from a session. Collaborate then sends that information directly to the Attendance page in the appropriate Blackboard Learn course. Attendance from the Collaborate session can be counted in each student's average attendance in the course, which can also be used in calculating student grades. • Click on the session you wish to set the attendance.   • Click on the ellipse and select edit settings.    • Select the Attendance reporting icon.  8. Application Sharing Issues -- Are you having trouble sharing content with your participants? Are you getting a message saying that the application sharing is starting but it does not start sharing? • If you see the message that Application sharing is starting but the screen does not start sharing, stop and restart the application sharing. • Check your browser. Application sharing is only compatible with Google Chrome and the most recent versions of Firefox. Check that your browser is fully up to date.  • Check your browser settings to make sure that the browser has permission to share your screen or application. • If you are using Chrome, make sure that the Desktop Sharing extension has been installed. You may need to uninstall and reinstall the extension. See Application Sharing Issues for more information. 9. What if I forget to select “allow download recordings” in my settings?  If you have not reached the end date, you can go back in and edit the settings to allow it. If the end date has already arrived, you will not be able to make the adjustment to allow download recordings.    10. How do I report an issue with my Bb Collaborate Ultra? Although it is sometimes difficult to do, it is best to report an issue while it is occurring in your session.  Gathering the data needed:  • Open the Session Menu (upper left corner) and select Report an Issue – This can only be done during a LIVE SESSION.  • Under Auto Generated Report, using your mouse curser, scroll over the text to copy it.  • Ignore the red symbol as you scroll. • At the end, right click and select Copy. • Paste copy into email.  Send the email to your campus Bb Collaborate Coordinator or help desk, who can then address the issue OR they will send it to the NDUS Core Technology Services Staff.

NDUS  CTS Academic Communication and Training  Blackboard Collaborate Ultra – Troubleshooting Tips                                                                                                                                                              August 2020 AUDIO and VIDEO ISSUES  If you are having issues with your audio or video, please check your session and browser settings.  • Are the audio or video controls on? A line through the icons means that a device is not enabled.   • Are you using the latest version of your browser? Update your browser. • Does the browser have permission to access your camera and microphone? To ensure your audio and video is set up properly, see Audio and Video in Blackboard Help. Make sure that the correct audio/video input/output is selected on your computer. The easiest way to test is to try using different programs.  Are you able to play sound on your computer? Sometimes if you have recently used the microphone or webcam in another program – such as Teams, Pexip, or Zoom, it may interfere with your Bb Collaborate Ultra connection.  Check to make sure your microphone and camera are properly selected.  Close out any other applications or browser windows, especially any that may use your camera or microphone. AUDIO Use a headset whenever possible. Avoid using the computer's built in audio components. This helps prevent environmental noises from being picked up by the on-board microphone. Check to see that the correct speakers are selected for your operating system:  Mac go to Apple > System Preferences > Sound. Windows go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound or search for Sound and select Sound from the Control Panel in the search menu. Make sure the proper audio device is selected for use by Collaborate Ultra. Click on My Settings (your avatar) > Audio and Video Settings > Setup Your Camera and Microphone. Make sure the microphone is located appropriately. Placing the microphone directly under your nose will result in breathing being heard by session participants. Placing the microphone too far away from your mouth will result in low audio and the possibility of environmental noise being captured. WEB BROWSERS Make sure that you are using a supported web browser.  Use Google Chrome or Firefox:  Supported browser information  Make sure your browser is up to date.  Current browsers have been tested against Collaborate Ultra and can include fixes for known issues. Contact your campus help desk if you need assistance to update your browser Click here for instructions on how to check your web browser version • Make sure your browser allows third-party cookies.  • Disable AdBlockers and extensions, refresh your Collaborate Ultra session. If necessary, try Chrome in an Incognito window or Firefox in a Private window. • Try a different supported web browser.  • Try clearing web browser cache and restarting the session. Click here for instructions on clearing browser cache • Close out of your web browser and reopen it. • Some Anti-Virus applications block webcam and microphone from being accessible in the browser, please make sure your Anti-Virus is not blocking your webcam or microphone. • Reboot your computer.  If you still encounter connection problems, check the router: • Ensure that the router is properly placed in the home for maximum efficiency. For example, place the router in a high spot in the center of the room, away from other electronic devices, windows, microwaves etc.  Click here for more tips on how to place a router for maximum efficiency. • Restart the modem and/or router. • Reboot your computer. OTHER TROUBLESHOOTING RESOURCES • Browser troubleshooting  • Collaborate HomeNetworking Troubleshooting tips This article is written ONLY for users who are accessing Collaborate Ultra from a HOME network. • Troubleshooting audio/video quality issues

Courses no longer showing under Current Course list One of the reasons courses disappear under "Current Courses" list is that the course have a date range in the course availability options. This means after the "End Date" of the course, the course/s will no longer show under "Current Courses" list. You can still see the courses in your list by changing the course filter (top middle in Courses section) from the "Current Courses". Click the "Current Courses" dropdown list. Choose the term you wish to go to.  In this example, under the "Current Course", there are only 2 courses showing. Even if Spring 2022 term has ended, the courses are still showing under "Current Courses" list as they are set as "Continuous" in course availability options.  Click the desired term, in this example - we chose Spring 2022, then you will find all the courses assigned to you. As you can see, there are additional two courses showing. This means that the course availability option duration for these courses have what we call an "End Date". Once the specified "End Date" passed, the courses will no longer be listed in "Current Courses".   As an instructor of the course, you can still make changes based on your role. Things to remember:  Courses that are not showing under "Current Courses" list have a specific set of date range in course availability options.  If you wish to have the courses shown under your "Current Courses" list, make sure to have the duration of the course set as "Continuous".  Course availability options are set by instructors of the course. Please check this One Stop article on How to make your Blackboard course available (how to change the course availability options). Course "Hidden from me" filter Another reason why the course is not showing under your courses list is your course has been hidden from you. The easiest way to check this is to change the filter from "All Courses" to "Hidden from me".  The list will then show you the hidden courses. In order to bring them back to your default view,  1. Hover your mouse to the course you wish to select, then click the ellipsis button (...) 2. Click "Show course" button  3. Once done, the page will reload. If not, manually refresh the page and the course should no longer show under "Hidden from me" filter.  4. Go back to "All Courses" filter to see the course.  Have additional questions or experiencing technical issues?  Don't hesitate to contact VCSU Service Desk by creating a ticket here: https://onestop.vcsu.edu/support/tickets/new Or send us an email at tsticket@vcsu.edu. 

This issue happens when a user logs into Blackboard, clicks on a link such as courses, and a page shows up with "bb.vcsu.edu refused to connect" First, make a note of what URL you are on. Be sure to have https://bb.vcsu.edu as the correct URL. Still getting the same error message? Check the list below to find instructions for the browser you are on. WARNING! - Doing the steps below might cause you to have to log back into websites.  Make sure you remember passwords, etc. for websites before you continue.   Microsoft Edge: Click on the three dots in the upper right hand corner. Click on "Settings" Select "Privacy, search, and services" Scroll down to "Clear browsing data", then click "Choose what to clear" Make sure to ONLY select "Cached images and files" Click on Clear Now Close out of the browser and log back into Blackboard. If the issue continues, contact Technology Services at (701) 845-7340 (option 1) Chrome/Chromium: Click on the three dots in the upper right hand corner. Click on "Settings" Select "Privacy and security" Click on "Clear browsing data", make sure the "Basic" tab is selected, and time range is set to "All time" Make sure to ONLY select "Cached images and files" Click on Clear Data Close out of the browser and log back into Blackboard. If the issue continues, contact Technology Services at (701) 845-7340 (option 1) Firefox: Click on the three lines in the upper right hand corner. Click on "Settings" Select "Privacy & Security" Scroll down to "Cookies and Site Data", and click on "Clear Data" Make sure to ONLY select "Cached Web Content" Click on Clear Close out of the browser and log back into Blackboard. If the issue continues, contact Technology Services at (701) 845-7340 (option 1) Safari: Click on the "Safari" drop-down menu in the title bar, and select "Preferences" Click on the "Advanced" tab, and select the "Show Develop menu in menu bar" checkbox.  You can now close the Preferences window. Select "Develop" in the title bar, and select "Empty Caches" Close out of the browser and log back into Blackboard. If the issue continues, contact Technology Services at (701) 845-7340 (option 1)