Moving HTML-based content from Blackboard Classic to Blackboard Ultra

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This article explains how to move HTML-based content from Blackboard Classic to Blackboard Ultra.

Note about unsupported tools

Before using an unsupported app or online service in your teaching, it is essential to carefully evaluate several factors to ensure compliance, sustainability, and inclusivity.

First, explore whether an alternative “supported” tool provided by the University could meet your objectives, as these are vetted for safety, accessibility, and support. If you choose to proceed with an unsupported tool, adhere to university policies by completing an Initial Data Protection Review Form and involving Procurement for any purchases.

For more information on unsupported tools, please read the knowledge base article "Supported and unsupported tools for teaching activities at the University of Southampton (UoS)".

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Export Content from Blackboard Classic

1. Log in to Blackboard Original using your university credentials.

2. Navigate to the course where the HTML content is stored.

3. Go to the Content Collection of your course (usually under "Files" in the left-hand menu):

Select All Course Content:
Select the folder of your Module

4. Locate the HTML lesson

Select the folder with 'imported content'
Enter the folder containing HTML content.

5. Select the folder or all individual files you want to download:

List of folders selected

6. Choose the Download Package option to create a .zip file, which combines all selected files into one compressed package for easy transfer:

7. Save the .zip file to your computer in a location that's easy to find, as this file will be uploaded to Blackboard Ultra.

Step 2: Prepare for Upload to Blackboard Ultra

1. Select the files on your computer, selecting the previously downloaded folder (zip.) so they are easy to upload all at once.

2. Check the content by opening the downloaded HTML files on your computer to ensure they display and function correctly.

Step 3: Log in to Blackboard Ultra

1. Log in to Blackboard Ultra using your university credentials.

2. Navigate to the course where you want to add the HTML content.

Step 4: Upload HTML Content to Blackboard Ultra

1. In your Ultra course, go to Content (found in the main navigation panel on the left).

2. Wherever you want the HTML files to display (for example, inside a folder or learning module), select the plus (+) icon to add new content and select Content Collection from the drop-down menu:

3. Upload your HTML files:

Select Browse Content Collection to open the upload interface.
Select the Upload button and then Upload Zip Package to upload the HTML zip. file from your computer:
On the selection screen, select the zip. folder:
Back to Ultra, on the bottom right, select 'Submit'.

Step 5: Make Content Available to Students

1. Back in the Course Content Area, select the three dots (...) next to each file and select "Make visible to students" to ensure students can access it.

2. If necessary, you can organize the content by adding descriptions or placing them in folders.

Step 6: Test the Uploaded HTML content

1. Switch to Student Preview mode in Blackboard Ultra (found in the upper right corner) to ensure the HTML content displays and functions correctly.

2. Test the interactive elements (for example: quizzes, matching exercises) to ensure they work as expected.

Step 7: Review and Final Adjustments

1. Check accessibility settings: ensure that the content follows your institution's accessibility guidelines (for example, adding alt text to images if applicable).

2. Notify students: let students know how and where to access the HTML content in the course.

University of Southampton