Blackboard Pilot Tasks and Walkthroughs

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Goals:  Identify problematic areas our clients may run into during a fresh install of Bb 6.1 and during an upgrade to version 6.1.  Identify where the Bb documentation (Manuals, KB Articles, Etc.) are incorrect/missing information.  Assess what issues can be resolved through existing KB articles as well as develop new articles for those problems where there currently are no posts.  Provide an opportunity for a new resource to become familiar with the install, uninstall, and upgrade of the Blackboard Learning System on the Operating System(s) the resource will support.

Task 1: Installing Blackboard Install version 6.1 on a predetermined platform (Solaris, Linux, Windows 2000, Windows 2003) as a fresh install. Install App Pack 1. Download the required guides and software from Behind the Blackboard.

Task 1: Installing Bb 6.1 This walkthrough involves a standalone Blackboard installation on a machine running Windows XP Professional – a personal instance of Blackboard. Before Blackboard can be installed, there are 3 components that must be installed (and running) on the machine. If these items are already installed and running, verify their versions and proceed to the Blackboard installation. Internet Information Services (IIS) Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Java 2 SDK, SE v1.4.2_02

Task 1: Internet Information Services: This is Microsoft’s web services component. On most Windows XP machines, IIS is already loaded. However, it was NOT loaded on my machine. The following outlines the installation process of IIS.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 1 : Installing IIS 1. Obtain a Windows XP Professional CD-ROM 2. Place CD in CD-ROM drive 3. Cancel any welcome screen. 4. Go to: Start  Control Panel  Add Remove Programs. 5. Click on “Add/Remove Windows Components.”

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 1: Installing IIS 4. Select “Internet Information Services.” 5. Click “Details.” 6. Make sure that all of the components are checked. 7. Click “OK.” 8. Click “Next.”

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 1: Installing IIS 9. Windows will copy the needed files from the Windows XP CD. 10. Click “Finish.” 11. ***IMPORANT NOTE*** Once IIS has been installed, it created a default web server on port 80. This port is needed by Blackboard, and if it is not disabled, Blackboard will not install

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 1: Installing IIS 12. Go to Start  Control Panel  Administrative Tools 13. Double-click on “Internet Information Services.” 14. Click on the + to expand the tree to locate “Default Web Site.” 15. Right-Click on “Default Web Site” and select “Stop.” 16. Close the IIS control panel, and proceed with the next step. Disabling the default web server on port 80:

Task 1: Microsoft SQL Server 2000 This is Microsoft’s answer to Structured Query Language. SQL is a standard interactive and programming language for getting information from and updating a database. Blackboard uses databases for its’ users and data. These databases reside outside of the Blackboard application. SQL server allows for the creation, manipulation and access of these databases.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 1: Installing Microsoft SQL Server Access MS SQL folder. 2. Double click “autorun.exe.” 3. Click on “SQL Server 2000 Components.” 4. Click on “Install Database Server.”

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click “Next.” 6. Leave the default of “Local Computer”, and click “Next.” 7. Leave the default of “Create a new instance of SQL Server, or install Client Tools”, and click “Next.” Task 1 : Installing Microsoft SQL Server 2000

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Enter name and company info and select “Next.” 9. Click “Yes” to accept the license agreement. 10. Choose “Server and Client Tools” and click “Next.” Task 1 : Installing Microsoft SQL Server 2000

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Leave the “Instance name” blank, and click “Next.” 12. Leave the default of “Typical” 13. Click “Next.” 14. Choose “Use the same account for each service. Auto start SQL Server Service.” Task 1 : Installing Microsoft SQL Server 2000

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Choose “Use a Domain User account.” Enter your Windows username, password and domain information. 16. Click “Next.” 17. Choose “Mixed Mode (Windows Authentication and SQL Server Authentication.” 18. Assign the sa account with a new username and password. Task 1 : Installing Microsoft SQL Server 2000

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click “Next.” 20. Click “Next” again to begin copying files. 21. When the installation is done, click “Finish.” 22. Restart your computer when the installation program has completed. Task 1 : Installing Microsoft SQL Server 2000

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Accept the default installation options, and click “Next.” 6. Click “Next” to register with your web browser. 7. Click “Finish” when the install has completed. Task 1 : Installing Java 2 SDK, SE v1.4.2_02

Once the external components of Blackboard are installed and running, the next step is the actual Blackboard Installation. This walkthrough installs Blackboard 6.1 and applies Application Pack 1. Before you begin the installation process, ensure that you have access to an XML license file (Basic or Enterprise). Task 1: Installing Blackboard

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Double-click bb_ls_windows_ 6_1_0_1.exe. 2. Click “Next.” 3. Accept the terms of the license agreement, and click “Next.” Task 1 : Installing Blackboard 6.1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click “Browse…” to select your XML license file. 5. Click “Next.” 6. Chose “New Install. Database on same server.” 7. Click “Next.” 8. Accept the default of “C:\” for the Blackboard installation. 9. Click “Next.” Task 1 : Installing Blackboard 6.1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Complete the information form and click “Next.” 11. Select your institution type and click “Next.” 12. Accept the default location of your Java SDK installation and click “Next.” Task 1 : Installing Blackboard 6.1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Accept the defaults, and add your Web Server Domain. 14. Click “Next.” 15. Accept the TCP and Port defaults, and click “Next.” Task 1 : Installing Blackboard 6.1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Accept the database defaults and click “Next.” 17. Enter the SQL System Database Administrator Password that you defined earlier. 18. Assign new passwords for Database User and Database Report. 19. Click “Next.” Task 1 : Installing Blackboard 6.1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Assign and confirm new passwords for Blackboard Administrator, Blackboard Root Administrator, and Blackboard Integration. 21. Click “Next.” Task 1 : Installing Blackboard 6.1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Accept the default logs files, and click “Next.” 23. Click “OK” twice. 24. Enter the name of the SMTP server and click “Next.” 25. The Blackboard installer will begin to copy files. Task 1 : Installing Blackboard 6.1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Note: The Blackboard installer may appear to freeze – it can take upwards of 10 minutes to complete. This behavior is normal. 27. Click “Finish.” Task 1 : Installing Blackboard 6.1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Open Internet Explorer. 2. Type your machine name (UNC Name) in the address bar and click “Go.” 3. Click “Login.” 4. Type “Administrator” for your user name, and the password you defined earlier in the installation. 5. Click “Login.” 6. Congratulations – Blackboard is now installed! Task 1 : Verifying the Blackboard 6.1 Installation

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 1 : Verifying the Blackboard 6.1 Installation 7. Click the “System Admin” tab. 8. Click the “System Config Info” link. 9. Click the “System Information” link. 10. Scroll to “Current Software Installation” and make note of the “Software Release Number.”

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 1: Installing Application Pack 1 1. Open Internet Explorer and go to behind.blackboard. com 2. Login using the username, password and client ID shown below. 3. Click the “Download Center” link.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click the “Blackboard 6.1 Downloads” link. 5. Click the “Application Packs” link. 6. Scroll to the bottom and click the link for the operating system you need. Task 1: Installing Application Pack 1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click the “Application Pack” to download the Application Pack. 8. Save the Application Pack to your Computer. Task 1: Installing Application Pack 1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Make sure that you are logged out of Blackboard. 10. Double-click on the installer file. 11. Click through the installation wizard. 12. Choose between “Standard” and “Load Balanced” configuration. 13. Accept the default file directories Task 1: Installing Application Pack 1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 1: Installing Application Pack The installer will shut down Blackboard- related services, install the updates, and restart the Blackboard-related services. 15. Click “Finish.” 16. Login to Blackboard, and check the “Current Software Installation.”

Blackboard Features Users, Courses and Tools

Task 2: Creating Courses and Users Create 3 sample courses each with 3 sample users and make yourself the instructor. Users must be created before they can be added to an existing course.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 2: Creating a User 1. Login to Blackboard. 2. Click the “System Admin” tab. 3. Click “Create User.” 4. Fill in desired fields. Those marked with a * are required.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Set desired availability 6. Click “Submit.” 7. Note: If you are setting up a non administrative role, you don’t have to change any of these settings. You can modify a user’s role from within a specific course (like an instructor). 8. Click “OK.” 9. Create 3 additional users. Task 2: Creating a User

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 2: Creating a Course 1. Login to Blackboard. 2. Click the “System Admin” tab. 3. Click the “Create Course” link under “Courses.”

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Fill in the “Course Name” and “Course ID”. The “Description” is optional. 5. Enter your new username (created earlier) as the instructor. 6. Click “Submit.” 7. From here you can access the course, or click “OK” to create more courses. 8. Create 2 additional courses. Task 2: Creating a Course

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Login to Blackboard. 2. Click the “System Admin” tab. 3. Click “List Modify Courses.” 4. Enter the Course ID of the course you are searching for, or leave the box blank to return all courses in the system. Click “Search.” 5. Click on the course listing in the Results. Task 2: Adding a user to a course: Method 1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click “Control Panel.” 7. Click “Enroll User.” 8. Search by user name or by last name. Click “Search.” 9. Check the box for “Add.” Task 2: Adding a user to a course: Method 1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click “Submit.” 11. Click “OK.” 12. Note: This is the method most often used by instructors. The next method details adding a user to a course without actually accessing the course. Task 2: Adding a user to a course: Method 1

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Login to Blackboard. 2. Click the “System Admin” tab. 3. Click “List Modify Courses.” 4. Enter the Course ID of the course you are searching for, or leave the box blank to return all courses in the system. Click “Search.” 5. Click the “Properties” button for the course you want to add users to. Task 2: Adding a user to a course: Method 2

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click “Add Users To This Course.” 7. Enter the user name, last name, or of the user and click search. 8. Check the box for “Add.” 9. Click “Submit.” 10. Click “OK.” Task 2: Adding a user to a course: Method 2

Task 3: Collaboration Chat Verify that the Collaboration Chat sessions work by having another TSM login to your chat session and test collaboration. A collaboration session is a tool that allows for real-time chat and other correspondence activities.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Access the course where you want to test the chat. 2. Click “Control Panel.” 3. Click “Collaboration.” 4. There are 2 default collaboration sessions for a course. 5. You can join, manage, or remove these sessions. 6. You can also create a new session. Task 3: Collaboration Chat

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click “Join” to join an existing collaboration session. 8. The Collaboration chat window will open. 9. ***Important Note: Pop- up blockers should be turned off when attempting to use the collaboration feature. 10. Enter text in the “Compose” box, and click “Send.” 11. The text will appear in the chat session above. Task 3: Collaboration Chat

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Users can then chat back and forth. 13. Click “End” to end the chat session. 14. Click “OK” to end the session for all users. 15. Click “OK” to close the chat window. Task 3: Collaboration Chat

Task 4: Course Archive, Export, Copy and Restore As instructors build and use content in Blackboard, there is often a need to move/copy content from one course to another, or from one Blackboard installation to another. In addition, as it is always a good idea to have current and complete backups, these tools allow instructors and system administrators to archive courses, and then restore those courses when and if needed. There are distinct differences between the course archive, export and copy tools. Please read the notes for more information.

Task 4: Course Archive Course Archive: Archive Course is useful to maintain a record of a Course after it has been taught. It includes some minor debugging and contains all user data and course content.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Login to Blackboard. 2. Click the “System Admin” tab. 3. Click the “Archive Course” link. 4. Enter the Course ID of the course you wish to archive, or click “Browse” to search for the course. 5. Click “Submit.” Task 4: Course Archive

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click on the link to download the archived course. 7. Click “Save.” 8. Choose a location and create the filename. 9. Click “Save.” Task 4: Course Archive

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Once the download is done, the file will be saved as a ZIP file (in Blackboard format) 14. This file can be used to restore the course back into a Blackboard installation. Task 4: Course Archive

Task 4: Course Export Course Export: A complete course, saved as a Blackboard-formatted ZIP file and exported as a file to a local machine. Export Course does not include any user interactions with the course—it only includes the content of the Course. Therefore, Export Course is useful when course materials will be reused at a later time to teach a new set of Students.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Login to Blackboard. 2. Click the “System Admin” tab. 3. Click “List Modify Courses.” 4. Enter the Course ID of the course you are searching for, or leave the box blank to return all courses in the system. Click “Search.” 5. Click the “Properties” button for the course you want to archive. Task 4: Course Export

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click on “Course Utilities.” 7. Click on “Export Course.” 8. Choose which areas (or all) that you wish to export. 9. Click “Submit.” Task 4: Course Export

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click on the link to download the exported course. 11. Click “Save.” 12. Choose a location and create the filename. Task 4: Course Export

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Once the download is done, the file will be saved as a ZIP file (in Blackboard format) 14. This file can be used to restore the course back into a Blackboard installation. Task 4: Course Export

Task 4: Course Copy Course Copy: Creating a duplicate course on the same Blackboard installation. The copy course feature is a powerful tool that provides a way to selectively copy some or all of a courses content and/or users into an already existing course (like a course merge) or into a brand new course shell.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Copy Course Copy Course Materials into a New Course: Creates a new empty course and copies material ONLY into that new course. Copy Course Materials into an Existing Course: Allows for selected course content to be copied into an existing course – thus merging content into the existing course (see note below). Copy Course with Users (Exact Copy): Makes a complete replica of existing course.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Login to Blackboard. 2. Click the “System Admin” tab. 3. Click the “Copy Course” link. 4. Choose the method of copy that you want. Task 4: Course Copy

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Enter the Source and Destination course IDs (or use the browse button). 6. Click “Submit.” 7. Check the areas of the Source course that wish to copy into the Destination course. Task 4: Course Copy

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Click “Submit.” 9. Click “OK.” 10. Access the Destination Course and verify that the chosen content areas copied successfully. Task 4: Course Copy

Task 4: Course Restore Course Restore: Importing an existing course archive (ZIP file – see above) into a Blackboard installation.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Login to Blackboard. 2. Click the “System Admin” tab. 3. Click the “Restore Course” link. 4. Create a new Course ID for the restored course. 5. Click the “Browse…” button to select the course archive file (in Blackboard ZIP format). Task 4: Course Restore

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Select the file and click “Open.” 7. Click “Submit.” 8. Click “OK.” 9. Verify that the course has been restored. Task 4: Course Restore

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 The digital Drop Box is a file repository where students can post files to Blackboard for themselves, or for their instructor. The Drop Box has two choices for the student: “Add File” and “Send File.” Task 5: Digital Drop Box

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 5: Digital Drop Box  Add File: Students can upload a file to their digital Drop Box that only they have access to. This is used as an online storage area or for work in progress.  Send File: Students can upload a file directly or send a file they already uploaded (using the “Add File” feature mentioned above). Once a student sends a file, it is no longer visible in that student’s Drop Box. The file can then be seen in the instructor’s Drop Box. Once the instructor removes the file from their Drop Box, the student has access to the file once again – and can remove it.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 5: Digital Drop Box To fully understand the functionality of the digital Drop Box, this walkthrough involves posting a document to the Drop Box as a student, and then accessing that document as an instructor.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 5: Digital Drop Box: Posting a File as a Student 1. Create a new user and enroll that user in a course as a student. 2. Login to Blackboard as that student and access the course.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 5: Digital Drop Box: Posting a File as a Student 3. Click “Tools.” 4. Click “Digital Drop Box.” 5. Click “Send File.” 6. Name the file. 7. Use to "Browse" button to select the file from your computer. 8. Fill out the comments as needed.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 5: Digital Drop Box: Posting a File as a Student 9. Click “Submit.” 10. Click “OK.” 11. Check your submission details.

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/ Login to Blackboard as an instructor. 2. Click on “Control Panel.” 3. Click on “Digital Drop Box.” Task 5: Digital Drop Box: Viewing the file as an Instructor

Bb Test Case Training Pilot with AnswersDarek Sady - 5/4/2004 Task 5: Digital Drop Box: Accessing Files as an Instructor 4. View the file posting 5. The file can be accessed or removed. 6. Once the file is removed from the instructors Drop Box, the student regains the ability to remove the file from the student Drop Box.