This topic includes step by step instructions for installing a System Extension and for uninstalling a System Extension.
Note: System Extension vendors may occasionally update their extensions. Follow instructions from the vendor to run an update. Be aware that an update will uninstall the old version of the System Extension and replace it with the new version.
Follow these steps to install a System Extension.
Step 1 Click Manage System Extensions from the System Control Panel. The Manage System Extensions page will open.
Step 2 Click Install System Extension. The Install System Extension page will open.
Step 3 Click Browse and locate the System Extension .war file. The path to the System Extension should appear in the field. This file may also be a .zip file.
Note: System Extensions can be created using Building Blocks technology or acquired from third-party vendors. Blackboard maintains a catalog of System Extensions at http://buildingblocks.blackboard.com.
Step 4 Click Submit to upload the .war file to the Education Suite. The System will unpackage the Building Block .war file and display a success message when the upload is complete.
Step 5 Click OK to dismiss the message and return to the Manage System Extensions page.
Step 6 Find the System Extension within the list of installed System Extensions. The status of the System Extension should be Inactive.
Step 7 To enable the System Extension select Available from the drop-down list. When the System Extension is first made available the list of permissions required by the System Extension is displayed. This is a security feature to protect Blackboard systems from dangerous content. If you are concerned about the permissions given to a system extension, contact the vendor and ask about the permissions before changing the System Extension status from Inactive.
Step 8 Click OK to make the integration agent available and allow it the listed permissions. The system will display a confirmation message that the Building Block is enabled.
Step 9 Click OK to return to the Manage System Extensions page. The System Extension should now have a status of Available.
Follow these steps to completely remove a System Extension from the Blackboard Academic Suite.
Note: It is also able to simply disable a System Extension. Disabling will keep the System Extension on the system but the System Extension will not be available to users. This may be preferable to complete removal if the System Extension will be used again in the future.
Step 1 Click Manage System Extensions from the System Control Panel. The Manage System Extensions page will appear.
Step 2 Find the System Extension to remove from within the list of installed System Extensions.
Step 3 Click Remove for the System Extension. A message will appear to confirm the removal of the System Extension.
Step 4 Click OK to complete the removal of the Building Block. A success message will be appear.
Step 5 Click OK to return to the Manage System Extensions page. The System Extension should no longer appear on this page.
Content Tools that are added as System Extensions allow Instructors to create different types of content and display it to users. When these content tools are removed or made unavailable, it restricts the ability for users to access this content.
Within a course, the links to content items created with a System Extension will not appear to Students when the System Extension is removed or made unavailable. Instructors will see the links to the content but will not be able to open or view the content. The content will become available again if the System Extension is once again made available.