Blackboard Course Export, Archive and Import

Question

What is the difference between Archive and Export? 
How do I export/archive an existing course?
How do I import a course package?

Environment

• Blackboard Learn

Information

Exports create a downloadable permanent record of a course including all the content and user interactions. When an Archive package is restored, the content of the course AND user data and interactions are restored as well. You can restore archive packages, but they aren’t intended for teaching the course again as all user interactions are restored as well. The course is restored to the state it was in when archived. Archived courses are saved as “.ZIP” files with the following file naming structure: “ArchiveFile_YourCourseID.zip”. Archives should be used to restore a course, including all user information and actions, to the state it was prior to any changes being made—or to retrieve student grades or Discussion Board posts.

Exports create a downloadable package of the course content that can later be imported and used to teach another course with the same content. It is important to note that “Export Course” does not include any user interactions with the course — it only includes content and tools. Export packages are downloaded as compressed “.ZIP” files and are imported in the same format. They are saved with the following file naming structure: “ExportFile_YourCourseID.zip”.

• Export should be used to copy the course for use in a future semester (as it doesn’t include student grades).

Answer

Export or Archive an Existing Course

1. Go to the course from which content should be exported
2. Click Export/Archive Course on the Control Panel, under the Packages and Utilities section
3. Click Export Package or Archive Course on the Action Bar on the Export/Archive Course page
4. Select the option to “Copy links and include copies of the files in the course default directory”.
5. For Export
   1. Click Select All or select the check boxes for each course area and tool to export in the Select Course Materials section
6. Click Submit

When you submit the Export/Archive Course page, the system begins to create the course package and will send an email upon completion.  Once the email is received, download the Archive/Export zip file by going back to the Control Panel > Packages and utilities – > Export/Archive Course page to find the newly created file and download to a location of your preference.

Download a Course Package

When you submit the Export Package or Archive Course page, the system begins to create the course package. When the package is complete, you will receive an email from the system. After you receive the email, you can download the course package.

1. Go to the course from which content the content was exported.
2. Select Export/Archive Course on the Control Panel, under the expanded Packages and Utilities section
3. Click the link for the package that you want to download
4. Save the file to an appropriate location

1. Unlike archives, an export does not include users or user interactions, but just course content. Exports are the preferred method for instructor backups.  Archives should only be done in rare instances.  

Import a Course Package

1. Go to the course where you would like to import an exported package
2. Click Import Package/View Logs from the Control Panel, under Packages and Utilities
3. Click Import Package
4. Click Browse to search for the course package
5. Click Select All or check the check boxes for the course materials to include
6. Click Submit