Migrating modules from WebCT to Blackboard

It is possible technically to migrate most modules from WebCT to Blackboard. However, most universities have not migrated the majority of their WebCT modules to Blackboard for the following reasons:

·         The cost of housing redundant data: most WebCT modules hold a considerable amount of old and unused versions of files, videos, images. These have been added by academics who no longer teach a module or who have not ‘housekeeped’ their modules. There are, in addition, often many multiple copies of the same file. For QMU this would mean that we would be transferring substantial quantities of redundant data from an old system to a new system.

·         Time for academics to adapt a migrated system: when migrating from one system to another, inevitably not all materials, style, organisation will migrate cleanly. To fix and clean the migrated version, will take academics longer than starting again.

·         Out of date materials: some modules have out of date materials and/or links to websites that are no longer working. Starting a new area in Blackboard provides academics the opportunity to check all materials. In Blackboard there is a building block which will allow academics to check the validity of weblinks for a module. (This only checks that the link is correctly formed. Links to a website which no longer exists will not be picked up.)

·         Poor structure, design in current WebCT areas: many WebCT modules have grown organically over the years. This has led to poor structure which is difficult to navigate for many students (and academics).

·         Enhanced use of the new VLE: by starting to develop a new module in Blackboard, this will help academics to become more familiar with the system and learn about the new functionality of the VLE such as the group tools and Early Warning System.

The CAP is proposing to only migrate:

·         Assessments, online quizzes and surveys and only when specifically requested

·         Glossary

Introduction: Joe Currie

Hi, I'm Joe Currie and one of the administrators for QMU's Hub.

My role is predominately technical with a responsibility to ensure that the service is available and stable for our users when we launch The Hub across QMU. We hope that moving from WebCT will mean a much better user experience for staff and students including less down time when we have to perform upgrades to the software.
The Hub will also provide a much more modern way of navigating the VLE as it makes use of modern technology unlike WebCT which was verging on 7 years old!!
It is an exciting time for me to be part of this project and I hope you will enjoy experiencing the new VLE when it is launched.

I will be mainly in the background with my colleagues working on the more public side of things, but please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Some key elements I have been working on include:

• integration with the student records system which will ensure all students will be brought across onto the correct module areas
• "building blocks" - these are plugins into the underlying software which extends the capabilities. A couple of the most significant ones are the Turnitin building block (similar to WebCT) and a new integration with PebblePad
• customising the look and feel of The Hub

I should say that I might get a bit carried away and mention some things I am working on, but they might not be available when the Hub is launched as they may not be relevant or stable enough to implement. But i will try to avoid that as much as possible.
Joe