Blackboard Export Course/Import Package

[ IT Home | Helpdesk | Search IT ]

EXPORT Course

Export Course creates a package of course content that can later be imported into another Blackboard course using the Import Package tool. The Export Course process does not include any user interactions. It includes content, settings, and tools.

To export a course:

1. Enter a course and go to the Control Panel.
2. Turn Edit Mode - On.
   
3. Open Packages and Utilities.
4. Click Export/Archive Course.
   
   
   
   
5. Click Export.
   
   
   
   
6. On the Export Course screen, scroll to Section 3. Click the Select All button. It is highly recommended to keep the automatic selection, even if you aren't sure about a particular option. Please understand that content sections which include graded items (e.g., assignments or tests) are connected to Grade Center Columns and Settings. If you do not copy the Grade Center, these graded items will not be copied.
7. 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.

Once the email has been received, go to the Control Panel and click on the Export/Archive link again.

1. On the Export/Archive Course screen, you should see a new link starting with the word "ExportFile."
   
   
   
   
2. Click the chevron next to the file name and click either View Basic Log or View Detailed Log. 
3. A new window will open, titled Log.
   1. If a "Warning" or "Error" is listed here (or in the email), the Export may not have been completed successfully.  This is often due to not checking all of the checkboxes (see step 5 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 export file by clicking the arrows next to the file name and selecting Delete. Return to Step 3 above.  If help is needed to understand the error message, please contact the Help Desk.
   2. If no "Warning" or "Error" is listed, the Export was successful.
4. Click the ExportFile link.
5. A dialog box asks if the file should be opened or saved. Click Save.
6. Save the zipped course to your hard drive or onto a removable storage device (CD, DVD, Flash drive, etc.) Remember where you saved it!

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.  There is nothing you should edit 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.

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. Save the zip file of the exported course to your computer.
2. Go to Blackboard and open the new course where the imported course material is to be used.
3. Go to Control Panel.
4. Open Packages and Utilities.
5. Click Import Package / View Logs.
   
6. On the Import Package / View Logs screen, click the Import Package button.
   
   
   
   
7. In section 2 of the Import Package screen, click the Browse button to locate where you saved the ExportFile package.
8. In section 3, click the Select All button. Do not check any of the checkboxes that were not checked automatically.
• In most cases, you should leave the checkmarks as automatically selected.
• If you are absolutely sure you do not need an item, then you may uncheck it. However, keep im mind that some of the options are linked and leaving one out may produce unexpected results.
9. Click Submit.  (The screen may sit there for several moments. Do NOT click the Submit button more than once).

After the information 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. For an average sized course, using a fast connection, this process usually only takes a few minutes.

After the confirmation email has been received, the course may be edited for use in the new term. 

The instructor should review the course:

• Make sure the dates are correct
• Check that the course menu is set up properly. Look for and correct any duplicate course menu items.
• Delete Old Discussion Posts found in the course.
  

When your course is ready for students, be sure to Make Your Course Available (Blackboard - 1.5 minute video).

Send comments to:
webmarketing@cod.edu