Blackboard Export Course/Import Package

Export Course

Use the Export Course tool to create a zip file of course materials that can be imported into another Blackboard course, using the Import Package tool.

1. Go to Control Panel.
2. Click the Export Course link in the Course Options section.
   
   
3. On the Export/Archive Manage page, you'll probably see the statement "No packages exist for this course." This simply means no export packages have been created yet. Click on the Export button in the top bar.
   
   
4. On the Export Course page, click the checkboxes corresponding with the particular course materials that you'd like to export (usually it is best to click all of the checkboxes in Section 2 even if you aren't sure about the option).
5. Click Submit.

After the Export Course page is submitted, the system creates a course package (a zip file). When the package is complete, the instructor receives an email.  This usually only takes a few minutes.

After the email is received, return to the Control Panel to download the course file to a local drive. Here's how:

6. Go to Control Panel.
7. Click the Export Course link in the Course Options section.
8. A "clickable" file name will be listed, starting with the word "ExportFile." 
   
9. In the same line as the file name, the words Log and Detailed Log will appear. Click on one of these. 
10. A new window will open.
1. If a "Warning" or "Error" is listed here (or in the original email), the Export may not have been completed successfully.  This is often due to not checking all of the checkboxes (see step 4 above).  Sometimes an instructor has a reason for not including all of the checkboxes, but if this is not the intention, it is best to start over with a new Export file. Delete the first file by clicking the Remove button on the far right.  Return to Step 3 above.  If help is needed to understand the error message(s), please contact the Help Desk.
2. If no "Warning" or "Error" is listed, the Export was successful.
11. Click the File Name link (starts with "ExportFile").
12. A dialog box asks if the file should be opened or saved. Click Save.
13. Save the zipped course to the hard drive or onto a removable storage device (CD, DVD, Flash drive, etc.)

Keep in mind that Course Export does not export any student data including discussion forum postings, grades, student assignment or test submissions.

Never try to edit the zip file.  It won't work and this action could make the package unstable and unpredictable upon import.

If the resulting zip file is small enough, it can be emailed to another instructor for use.  The instructor can save the file to his/her local computer drive to import.

IMPORT Package

Instructors may upload course materials that have been previously exported from another course using the Import Package tool. Instructors can import the whole course package, or selected parts of the course.

1. Open the new course where the imported course is to appear.
2. Go to Control Panel.
3. Click Import Package under Course Options.
   
4. On the Import Package screen, click Browse to search for the zip file.
5. Click the checkbox for each course area and tool in the course that should be imported (again, it is often safest to click all of the checkboxes).
6. Click Submit.  (The screen may sit there a few moments. Do NOT click the Submit button more than once).

After the page is submitted, the system imports the selected content and information. When the process is complete, the instructor receives an email.  Depending upon the size of the course and the ISP connection speed, this might take several minutes to several hours. Using a fast connection, it usually only takes a few minutes.

After the confirmation email has been received, the course may be edited for the new instructor's use.  The new instructor should review the course to make sure the dates are correct and the course menu is set up properly.

Send comments to:
rathke@cod.edu