Angel Frequently Asked Questions
What is Angel?
Angel is a Course Management System much like Blackboard. It has many
of the same features, including the ability to post content, host
on-line discussions, tests, surveys, and assignments, and have a secure
online gradebook. See the
introductory video
for more details.
When does all this happen?
The timeline is:
- May 6, 2009 - Angel test server available for
pilot orientations/faculty
- Week of May 11, 2009 - Orientations begin for
all current Bb instructors; course testing/transition; workshops, Instructional Design
available for consulting
- August 24, 2009 - Angel becomes production LMS
at Highline
- August 31, 2009 - Blackboard contract ends;
Blackboard is shut down
- September 15-18, 2009 - Opening Week
- September 21, 2009 - Fall Quarter starts,
classes use Angel
Why are we switching?
Our contract with Blackboard ends August 31, 2009. We needed to
upgrade to a newer version, which was going to mean major changes. Last
year, the state reviewed all the CMS tools on the market, and found
Angel to be a better tool. A Highline committee then reviewed Angel vs.
Bb, and chose Angel as well. See the
full process and recommendation for more details.
Will my Bb courses transfer?
Yes. Things will look different, however, because Angel approaches
Course Documents/Materials/Assignments in a different way. In general,
all your course documents will transfer, but you will need to do some
organization work. Quizzes and quiz pools transfer, but you will need to
do some editing. For a preview, see
this video on importing a Bb course to Angel,
and take the Bb Conversion workshop for hands-on training.
What about my old Bb courses?
As we've always done, we're keeping backups of all the courses taught
on Blackboard for the last several years. You'll be able to request that
an old Bb archive be imported into an Angel course.
What about course cartridges?
Many publishers already create Angel-specific course cartridges. For
others, see above – you can use the Bb import to use a course cartridge.
Some cartridges come with added security to prevent copying and these
may not transfer well. We will have to work with the publisher to make
sure the content can transfer to Angel.
Will there be training?
Yes. There will be a required “Introduction to Angel” workshop that
will cover the basics of navigating the system. From there, we’ll have a
wide variety of online and face-to-face workshops, as well as how-to
guides, consulting hours, and more. The workshop
schedule is being updated regularly.
Can I teach a summer course on Angel?
We have a limited use license until the end of summer. We are running
a select, small number of courses on Angel this summer. And yes, we
already have enough volunteers. (Note: running more than a few courses
will be very challenging for both students and support staff. That's why
we're limiting the number).
Will it work with a Mac?
It better, because all three system administrators are using Macs.
Yes. Angel works with the Mac and the Firefox browser. It does not work
well with Safari on the Mac.
Will it work with Firefox or Internet Explorer?
Angel works great with Firefox. It works as well as anything with
Internet Explorer. The current version (7.3) does not play well with
IE8, so you have to check the "compatibility" button on that browser.
How will students learn it?
The colleges that have switched to Angel already have found that
students adapted very quickly. Many of the tasks that student do in
Angel will be almost identical to what they do in Bb.
The IC Help Site for Students is now available. Send your students to
http://flightline.highline.edu/ic/ichelp/angel/ for Angel how-to
movies and documentation.
BTECH 128 is a 2-credit course on how to use
Angel. The class has flexible entry dates and a flexible schedule. See
the
Course Schedule for sections, or
contact
the BTECH department for details.
What else can you tell me?
Check out the page of Angel How-to videos
and handouts for lots more. We'll be releasing more details as we
implement the new system.
Last updated:
October 26, 2009
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