Sakai 19 Upgrade

What is Sakai 19?

Sakai 19 is a new version of Sakai released in Spring 2019.

• We're presently using Sakai version 11.4.
• Last year the Sakai community released version 12, which included minor updates.
• The Sakai Community decided to change the version numbering scheme.
  • Sakai is moving this year from Release 12 to Release 19.

When will Durham Tech upgrade to Sakai 19?

Durham Tech is scheduled to upgrade to Sakai 19 on May 8, 2019.

What's new and different in Sakai 19?

Sakai 19 has a new look-and-feel, with improved accessibility. It's also more mobile friendly. In addition…

• You can create rubrics with Sakai 19's new Rubrics tool.
  • You can add Sakai rubrics to Assignments, Forums, Tests & Quizzes short answer/essay questions, and the Gradebook.
• Gradebook Classic will be retired.
  • The tool now called Gradebook allows you to enter your grades in a "spreadsheet" format.
    • The "new" Gradebook has been updated, too; it now has the same capabilities as Gradebook Classic, plus more!
  • Is the new Gradebook new to you, or would you like tips on how to use the new Gradebook?
    • Register for the Intermediate Sakai Online! Workshop at https://training.durhamtech.edu/
    • Or check out our extensive collection of Gradebook "how-to" videos and handouts.
• Building assessments in Tests & Quizzes is very much the same, but has been streamlined and simplified.
  • Working Copies and Published Copies tabs are now combined.
  • We now have a quick and easy way to add time to tests for specific students who need accommodations!
• The Lessons menu has new items you can insert or embed (most are NOT recommended!).
  • Lessons Checklists can be set to automatically "check off" certain items as students complete them (ex: when they complete a quiz or assignment).
• Commons is a new chat-type tool. Students can post messages, web links and images.
• The Chat Room and Roster interfaces have been updated.
• When creating an Assignment, options have been reordered.
• The Syllabus tool has a redesigned editing interface.

Screenshot gallery

(click to enlarge)

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  New mobile-friendly design

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  New Rubrics Tool

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  Gradebook's Bulk Edit feature

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  Test settings

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  Lessons interface simplified

What will stay the same in Sakai 19?

Many functions are unchanged -- or nearly the same -- in the new version. The following tools have minimal changes in Sakai 19:

• Announcements
• Blogs
• Drop Box
• Email and Email Archive
• Forums
• Home/Site Overview
• Meetings
• Resources

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 Summer/Fall 2019 courses on the current version if you like and that content will still be there after the upgrade is done.

How will the Sakai 19 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 19?

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 March 2019, 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 19 training opportunities!

Info and hands-on sessions in March and April

Please attend the TLC info session Sakai 19 Upgrade: Overview and Q&A

• Wednesday, March 6 / 10:00 -- 11 a.m. / in the TLC (Building 3/Phillips, Room 125)
• *NO REGISTRATION NEEDED*

Instructional Technologies will provide hands-on training titled What's New in Sakai 19?

• Registration is required at https://training.durhamtech.edu/
  • Tuesday, March 19 / 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 28 / 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 24 / 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

For those that can't make it to one of the face-to-face sessions, we're offering What's New in Sakai 19? WEBINAR

• Registration is required at https://training.durhamtech.edu/
  • Tuesday, April 16 / 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.