Sakai 19 Upgrade

What is Sakai 11?

Sakai 11 is a new version of Sakai released in late July 2016.

When will Durham Tech upgrade to Sakai 11?

Durham Tech is scheduled to upgrade to Sakai 11 on December 19, 2016.

What's new and different in Sakai 11?

Sakai 11 has a new look-and-feel, designed for easier viewing on mobile devices and tablets. In addition…

• The Lessons tool has a new simplified interface, with consolidated menus and common tasks quickly accessible on the page. New layout options allow flexibility to arrange content in blocks or chunks.
• There are two gradebooks available in Sakai 11. You can choose to use either one -- or both!
  • Gradebook Classic is the same tool you already know and love, with new options for recording extra credit and for displaying total points to students.
  • The tool now called Gradebook has a completely redesigned spreadsheet interface (reminiscent of Blackboard 8).
• Building assessments in Tests & Quizzes is very much the same, with a new question type: hot spot. Also, test settings have been streamlined and simplified.
• The Assignments tool is the same too, but with new features for Peer Review and Group Submission.
• Resources is much the same, but now you can easily drag-and-drop files from your computer into Resources.
• The Syllabus tool also has a redesigned interface.
• The Schedule tool has been renamed Calendar.

Screenshot gallery

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  New mobile-friendly design

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  Lessons interface simplified

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  Lessons divided into blocks

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  Grade entry spreadsheet

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  Test settings

What will stay the same in Sakai 11?

Many functions are unchanged -- or nearly the same -- in the new version. The following tools have minimal changes in Sakai 11:

• Announcements
• Blogs
• Chat Room
• Drop Box
• Email
• Email Archive
• Forums
• Meetings

What will happen to my course content and data?

Content and data in your existing course sites (and project sites) will stay the same. Just the tools and buttons you use to interact with your content will look different, and some tools will have new features you can use. You can start building your Spring 2017 courses on the current version if you like and that content will still be there after the upgrade is done.

How will the Sakai 11 upgrade affect students?

Aside from the new look-and-feel, changes in functionality for students will be minimal. Instructional Technologies will provide videos and support materials for students, closer to the rollout of the new version.

How can I learn more about Sakai 11?

Instructional Technologies is hard at work learning and testing the new version, updating support materials, and planning training to help faculty make the transition. Starting in October 2016, a number of presentations, hands-on training sessions, and other resources will be available to help faculty learn the new features. Stay tuned for more info on Sakai 11 training opportunities!