A Note on VLE versions and New Releases

Dear Colleagues,

An update about the VLE product we use at QM, and our plans to monitor product developments…

A note on names – Blackboard and WebCT

The VLE we use is known within College as ‘WebCT CE6’. The system behind it is actually the Blackboard Learning System and are now on the version called Campus Edition 8.

WebCT was acquired by Blackboard who have run that system alongside their own VLE. Version 8/CE8 of both products will be the last release before they merge into one VLE called simply ‘Blackboard 9’.

Where does this leave the version we use?

Blackboard’s support for ‘WebCT’ CE8 will continue until 2011/2012, so there is no early pressure for us to upgrade to Blackboard 9 without first considering how well it fits with QMUL’s requirements and processes.

We are also mindful that we can’t simply upgrade without careful consideration of the many users of the current system at QM, or without long term planning and continuity. It would in any case be risky to move early to the first release of the single platform.

What are we going to do?

We will:

- not migrate early to BB9 (ie. this summer).

- use CE8 until at least summer 2010

- monitor BB9, probably through a local test installation

If any migration to BlackBoard 9 (or future releases) is to be considered thereafter, this will be a process which will carefully match our users’ requirements against the platform (and consider other platforms if they look like they might provide a better fit).

For now, technical work on the current system continues, with a project commencing to improve the robustness and capacity of the VLE.

You will shortly receive another announcement, with important information to note about the usual ‘rollover’ of courses this summer.

- Sam Brenton, Head of E-Learning

For our FAQ’s and to submit a query to our support team about the VLE please access the IT Services Web Help Desk at https://helpdesk.its.qmul.ac.uk/helpdesk/.  See also our support pages with online guides at http://www.learninginstitute.qmul.ac.uk/elearning/support/vle/