Blackboard Ultra (Faculty) - Merge Course Shells: Request to Merge Course Shells
This article explains how SIUE instructors can request to have their Blackboard Ultra course shells merged.
Requesting a Blackboard Ultra Course Merge
To request a Blackboard Ultra course merge, please fill out the Request to Merge Course Shells form. Please allow up to 2 business days for your request to be processed.
Important Considerations:
- All enrollments from the courses being merged (child courses) will be combined into the parent course shell.
- You will not see the child shells in Blackboard Ultra after the merge is complete. If you have materials in the course shell, export that content before you request the merged shell. If you have already merged the course shells, contact IDLT at help@siue.edu for assistance.
- All work must be added to the parent shell and not the child shells.
Merged Shell Versus One Shell for Each Section
When should you merge course shells, and when should you leave each section in an individual course shell?
Merged Shell Benefits
- Merged shells allow you to upload content once, and all course sections will see it. This is beneficial when you make frequent changes or additions to your course.
- One location to access all students. You send one email or announcement, and all sections receive it, rather than composing an email or an announcement for each section.
Merged Shell Drawbacks
- Large Gradebooks - students from all courses are listed alphabetically and not by course section. This can be resolved by filtering for each section. See the KnowledgeBase article for viewing grades for sections of a merged course for more information.
- Discussion boards can be complicated and overwhelming with a large amount of students participating. Setting up sections in Groups can help overcome the magnitude of the postings. See the knowledge base article about creating groups for more information.
- Organizing tests or assignment due dates can get complicated if sections meet at different times.
- You will not see the child shells in Blackboard Ultra.
Individual Shell Benefits
- Smaller numbers of students for discussion boards and projects.
- Assigning specific due dates for assignments and tests based on individual course sections is easier to manage.
Individual Shell Drawbacks
- All work must be duplicated across the section's shells. Every change or update must be repeated within each course shell.
- Instructors must access each section's shell to post announcements, messages, grades, etc.
Need Additional Support?
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the ITS Help Desk:
- Call: (618) 650-5500
- Email: help@siue.edu
- Visit: Lovejoy Library Room 0005 during regular business hours.
This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!