Synopsis:
Blackboard Sectioning Tool: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Solution:
The sectioning tool is a new course management utility designed to help faculty and staff manage the assignment of students into course sections, including:

• precepts
• drills
• ear training
• films
• labs (by request)

For sections to be available for assignment in Blackboard, they must be correctly scheduled in the PeopleSoft Course Information System (CIS) by your department's coordinator. In addition to the sorting capabilities of the sectioning tool, its interface with Blackboard provides the means for instructors and administrative TAs to communicate with their respective section members via e-mail, as a single group.

Where do I find the sectioning tool?
The sectioning tool is available through the Blackboard course management site. It is located in the Control Panel, among the Course Tools.

What browser can I use?
The sectioning tool may be used with Microsoft Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari.

Who can use this tool?
The sectioning tool is available to faculty, instructors, TAs, and others named as course builders. Only one user is permitted access to the sectioning tool for a particular course at the same time. Multiple users can simultaneously use the sectioning tool to work on different courses.

The sectioning tool is 'locked' when I attempt to access it for a course for which I am a registered instructor. Why?
Another instructor, TA, or course builder is currently using the sectioning tool for the same course you are trying to access. Only one user is permitted access to the sectioning tool for a particular course at the same time.

What do I do when I receive an alert that there is a scheduling conflict?
If you encounter a scheduling conflict when assigning a student to a section, you can click the OK button to add the student to the section despite the alert. To remove the student from the assigned section, highlight the student's name in the section list and click the <<< (Remove from Group List) button.

How do I create new sections?
Sections are created in the PeopleSoft Course Information System (CIS); sections are not created in Blackboard. If a new section is desired, the section must first be created in CIS. Updates to sections in CIS, whether additions, deletions, or meeting time changes, become effective in Blackboard the next day, following the nightly data update from CIS. Contact your department's CIS coordinator.

How can I get more information?
For help with the Blackboard sectioning tool: Consult the online help within the sectioning tool, or refer to the online Course Sectioning Tool PDF brochure that can be printed for easy reference. You can also contact the Blackboard Help Desk to schedule individual or group training at 8-0737.