The problems with accessing content in Blackboard should have now been resolved.

If you have been having issues please could you check that you can access your content, and let us know if you are still having issues. 

Apologies again for the inconvenience.

We are currently having some issues with some content on Blackboard being reported as 'forbidden'.

We believe that this may be an issue with the server, and our technical team are working on finding a solution as quickly as possible.

Apologies for the inconvenience.

To copy tests from one course to another you need to use the Export and Import test options which can be found in the Test Manager section of the Control panel. The process is as follows:

 Step 1: Export a test

• Go into the course that contains the test you want to copy.
• Click on Test Manager from the Control Panel.
• Locate the test you want to copy. Click the Export button to the right of the test.
• Click Save.
• Choose a destination on your computer to save the file.

Step 2: Import a test

• Go into the course that you want to copy the test to.
• Click on Test Manager from the Control Panel.
• Click the Import button.
• Click Browse. Locate the ZIP file you saved in step 1 above.
• Click on the file to select it and click Open.
• Click Submit to import the file, then click OK.
• The test has been copied to the new course. You may modify it, if needed, or go ahead and create a link to it in this course.

The Blackboard service will be unavailable for 5 days during July and August 2009, specifically;

• Tuesday July 14th 5.00 pm - Thursday July 16th 5.00 pm
• Monday August 3rd 9.00 am - Thursday August 6th 9.00 am

These downtimes will be used to complete two major work packages; specifically an essential software upgrade and the implementation of phase 1 of the Blackboard  Resilience project. Together these two projects will both enhance the functionality and improve the stability of our online learning environment. We have attempted to schedule the downtimes so they have a minimal impact on your teaching and learning. We apologise for any inconvenience these scheduled downtimes will cause you.

More details on the downtimes are listed below:

• July 14th 5.00 pm - July 16th 5.00 pm - Upgrade of the Blackboard software to version 8. This work is needed as our current version of Blackboard is no longer fully supported by the software suppliers. The new version of the software offers significant improvements in functionality specifically; an improved gradebook *the gradecentre* and a self and peer assessment tool.
• August 3rd 9.00 am - August 6th 9.00 am - Implementation phase 1 of the Blackboard Resilience project. This work will implement our new, more powerful and load-balanced Blackboard hardware.

These downtimes were in part scheduled using data you have sent us about your *critical dates* - when it essential for you that Blackboard is available. If you would like to update us about your critical dates, or would like any additional information about the work being undertaken this summer please email bb-help@bristol.ac.uk.

Blackboard is running normally again. Apologies to any users who experienced intermittent connection difficulties or slow performance earlier this afternoon.