By: Lavniet Dhillon, Product Manager
This FAQ provides answers to common queries and clarifications regarding the functionality, usage, and best practices of the SIS Course Merge tool. Whether you're a new user or seeking additional guidance, this FAQ addresses concerns and can help you make the most of this powerful tool within Brightspace.
If you cannot find the information you're looking for or need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact our support team or your institution's designated support channels. We're here to provide the necessary guidance and ensure a smooth experience with the SIS Course Merge tool.
Is there an overview video on how to set up SIS Course Merge?
Yes! See this quick setup video
How long does it take to get set up for existing IPSIS Section Association clients
See SIS Course Merge review and transition plan for customers.
Can I merge manually created courses using the SIS Course Merge tool?
No, you can only manage courses processed using IPSIS Source System using the SIS Course Merge tool.
Q: What triggers the 'Course Has Content' warning during the course merging process?
A: The 'Course Has Content' warning is activated by the presence of specific components that instructors can create or add to content or activities. It is designed to ensure that instructors are aware of existing content before proceeding with the merge. The warning is displayed when the following components are identified:
- Content
- Question Library
- Quizzes
- Discussions
- Dropbox or Assignments
- Awards
- Competencies
- Faq
- Glossary
- Grades
- Links
- LTI Links
- News
- Rubrics
- Self Assess
- Surveys
- Learning Outcomes
These are the components that will not contribute to the content warning:
- Attendance
- Course Appearance
- Display Settings
- Reg Forms
- Grades Settings
- Groups
- Homepages
- Intelligent Agents
- LTI Tool Providers
- Navbars
- Release Conditions
- Schedule Tool
- Display Names
- Widgets
I'm an instructor and I don't see the SIS Course Merge tool listed under Organization Tools
Check with your Brightspace administrator to ensure the tool is enabled for your organization.
I'm an administrator and I don't see the SIS Course Merge tool listed under Organization Tools.
Refer to the Setting Required Permissions section on the About SIS Course Merge topic and the Streamline your course management with the new SIS Course Merge tool topic.
Can you use SIS Course Merge and Section Association concurrently?
It's highly recommended that you only have one of these tools enabled in your production environment because the tools are not retrospective of each other; that is, content merged within Section Association cannot be managed using the SIS Course Merge tool.
How should existing clients plan to turn on the SIS Course Merge tool
It is recommended that clients first plan to test and adapt this tool under their specific test and development instances. An ideal time to switch over from Section Association to SIS Course Merge in your production environment is preceding a new semester or school year start.
Existing clients are strongly encouraged to adhere to the following transition plan:
- Communication: Notify stakeholders of the decision to switch from the Section Association tool to the SIS Course Merge tool, emphasizing the recommended timing of a new semester or school year.
- Training: Provide comprehensive training for administrators and instructors on the functionality of the SIS Course Merge tool.
- Support: Offer ongoing support and assistance throughout the transition, addressing any challenges or inquiries from stakeholders.
- Gradual Rollout: Implement a phased approach, starting with a subset of courses or departments for a smooth transition.
- Evaluation and optimization: Measure effectiveness, gather feedback, and make necessary improvements to optimize tool usage.
If you require assistance or support during transition, contact your designated CSM for guidance.
Are there any tricky scenarios that I should know about SIS Course Merge?
There are a few things to remember as you adopt SIS Course Merge Tools
- SIS Course Merge tool only helps manage courses created or known to IPSIS Source System
- Users associated to multiple IPSIS Source System cannot merge courses using SIS Course Merge
- If a course is associated to more than one IPSIS Source System, then it won't be available to be merged as part of SIS Course Merge. You cannot merge courses between source systems
- Sections cannot be associated with multiple course offerings
- This tool doesn't perform multiple merges to different courses at the same time.
- SIS Course Merge doesn't copy the course content or user progress, but it does warn the user of potential user progress and content loss.
Are there specific Data Sets presented by this tool?
A new Brightspace Data Set called SIS Course Merge Log provides details for merges and unmerges for each course offering.
Will there be future enhancements and updates to the SIS Course Merge tool?
Yes, we are committed to continuously improving and enhancing the functionality of the SIS Course Merge tool. Our development team is actively working to provide you with an even better merging and unmerging experience. Announcements and Release Notes will provide information about the new and improved features introduced in upcoming versions of the tool.
How can I stay informed about future enhancements and updates to the SIS Course Merge tool?
We recommend regularly checking the Release Notes and product documentation. Additionally, you can subscribe to our newsletters or follow our official channels to receive notifications about new features, enhancements, and other important information related to the SIS Course Merge tool.
Can I provide feedback or suggestions for future enhancements to the SIS Course Merge tool?
We highly value your feedback and suggestions as they help us improve our products and meet your evolving needs. If you have ideas, feature requests, or feedback about the SIS Course Merge tool, submit your submissions through the Product Idea Exchange (PIE) program, or speak to your customer manager. Your feedback is instrumental in shaping the future enhancements of the tool.
Will future enhancements require additional training or configuration changes?
While some enhancements may introduce new features and functionality, it is our intention to provide as seamless a transition as possible. In most cases, future enhancements to the SIS Course Merge tool will not require extensive training or significant configuration changes. However, any necessary instructions or guidelines will be provided as part of the Release Notes and supporting documentation to assist you in maximizing the benefits of the updated tool.
Please note that specific details about future enhancements, including timelines and feature specifics, will be communicated through official channels and documentation. Stay engaged, and we look forward to delivering exciting updates to the SIS Content Merge tool.