Blackboard Announcement: (Possible problem) Internet Explorer Update Expected April 11, 2006
The following information was received from Blackboard in regards to an update to Microsoft Internet Explorer expected on April 11, 2006.
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Blackboard Announcement: Internet Explorer Update Expected April 11, 2006
On April 11, Microsoft is releasing a critical update in response to patent litigation between Microsoft and Eolas (http://msdn.microsoft.com/ieupdate). The update also includes critical security fixes for Internet Explorer. Most users will receive this update automatically via Windows Update. After the update, users will be required to activate applets, ActiveX controls and other embedded objects and plug-ins before they can interact with them. Activation requires hitting the space bar, pressing the enter key, or using the mouse to click on the item. Users running the Firefox or Safari web browsers will not be affected by this update.
Blackboard has reviewed the Blackboard applications in anticipation of this update, and has learned the following:
General issues affecting all products
Embedded content (including video, audio, Flash) cannot be controlled until activated. Each item is framed with a window that prompts the user to “Press SPACEBAR or ENTER to activate and use this control.” After users follow the instructions or click using their mouse; users can use the controls to start, stop or replay embedded content.
An item that contains an equation, or was created from the Equation Editor, will launch a text window that prompts the user to “Press SPACEBAR or ENTER to activate and use this control.” The equation will still render on the page.
In general, our testing has uncovered increased instability with the IE browser after this update has been applied. We are escalating this issue with Microsoft.
Blackboard Academic Suiteâ„¢ & Blackboard Community Systemâ„¢ (Versions 6 and 7, including Application Packs)
Each Visual Text Box Editor (commonly known as “WYSIWIG editor”) will require activation prior to entering text.
The Virtual Classroom and Lightweight Chat applets will require activation after a student or instructor joins a chat.
The Blackboard Content Player (SCORM) feature fails to function after installation of the Microsoft update.
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The VCU Bb Team has downloaded the upgrade and has found the following in regards to the Blackboard announcement:
1) When the announcement above states “users will be required to activate applets,� this is requiring an extra click. In our testing, this meant clicking in a text box that previously the cursor would go to automatically.
2) When the announcement above states “The Blackboard Content Player (SCORM) feature fails to function after installation of the Microsoft update,� As far as we are aware, this may effect users that are using LessonBuilder AND loading it as SCORM content and some versions of JRE (Java Run-time Environment.) We did not experience a problem.
If you experience any issues please call the VCU Technology Services Help Desk at 828-2227.