For LIS, this module requires that the Data Integration LIS Final Building Block is configured using the following processes.

Configure the data integration LIS final properties

  1. In System Admin, under Integrations, select Data Integration.
  2. Select Student Information System Integration, select Create Integration, and choose IMS LIS 2.0 Final.
  3. Configure the following properties:
    • Integration Properties
      • Name - The unique name for the integration (i.e. LIS Integration).
      • Description - The description.
      • Shared Username - This will be auto populated. Keep track of this username. It will need to be shared with the SIS vendor.
      • Shared Password - Enter the password. The password will also need to be shared with the SIS vendor.
      • Integration Status - Set to Active.
      • Log Verbosity - Set to Errors Only. It may be useful to increase the level if needed to test out the integration.
    • Integration Options
      • Line Item Creation Type - Set to Manual if the policy is for graders to manually enter grades in the created columns. Set to Weighted if the policy is for graders to map columns to other gradable items in the course.
      • Initially Set the Grading Schema - Set to No if grade schema mapping does not occur. Set to Yes if the grade schema will be created from the SIS or if a grade schema will be used from within Learn. Note that if this is set and no information is passed from the SIS, then the initial grade schema mapping will be the default letter schema.
      • Make Line Items Initially Hidden - Set to No if line items should be displayed in the Grade Center. Otherwise, set to Yes.
      • Include in Calculations - Set to Yes if the column should be included in calculations. Otherwise, set to No.
      • Show Line Items to Students - Set to Yes if the column should be shown to students. Otherwise, set to No.
      • Show Line Item Statistics To Students - Set to Yes if the column should show statistics. Otherwise, set to No.
      • Result Return Value - Set the value that should be returned to the SIS in the standard grade column. Typically this will be Score.
      • Result Return Value Rounding Digits - Set to the number of digits that will be returned with a percentage. Typically this value will be 1.
      • Include Extended Result Return Values - Set to Yes so that all components of the grade (score, percentage, and points possible) will be returned to the SIS.
      • Only Include Grades for Columns Created by LIS - Set to Yes so only the grades for the columns created by the integration will be sent to the SIS.
    • Data Support
      • Set the Learn Data Source to use the same Learn Data Source for all new inbound data. Give it a name that logically defines this SIS integration (i.e. SIS_DATA).
  4. When finished, select Submit.

Configure Grade Journey for LIS

  1. In System Admin, under Blackboard Building, select Building Blocks.
  2. Select Installed Tools.
  3. Locate Blackboard Grade Journey Service for LIS and select Settings.
  4. Using the sections below, configure properties under each group of settings.

Grade extract settings (outgoing data)

Configure the following properties:

  • Integration
    • Integration type - Select LIS Integration.
    • CRON Schedule - Choose how often the background extracts occur. For example, the extracts occur each hour with this value set to 0 0/60 * 1/1 * ? *
  • Grade Approval and Transfer Settings
    • Grade Approval Required - Enable this setting if you want grades to be approved at the column or grade level.
    • Lock on Approval? - Enable this setting to switch the grade center to read-only so grades cannot be modified after extraction.
  • Extract Course Role Requirement
    • Course Roles - Specify the course role required for a user to be able to approve grades (i.e. instructor).
    • Institutional Roles - Specify the institutional role required for a user to be able to approve grades (i.e. grade approver).

When finished, select Submit.

Notification settings

If desired, configure settings for tools, roles, and notifications.

Run a validation test for LIS

  1. Manually create a course and add some enrollments. Ensure that the instructor has the roles required to approve grades.
  2. Create a weighted grade column in the course using a tool to post the new LIS SOAP transaction (i.e. replaceLineItem). You can use tools such as curl or SOAP UI.

    Blackboard Consulting can provide assistance with sample transactions.

  3. Log in to Learn as the instructor and go to the course.
  4. Navigate to the Grade Center. The new weighted grade column should appear there.
  5. Create an assignment and map it 100% to the weighted column.
  6. Enter grades for the enrollments.
  7. In the Manage menu, select Grade Approval and Transfer.
  8. Select the Extract and Schedule button at the course, grade column, or grade level.
  9. Extract the grades using a tool to post the LIS SOAP transactions (i.e. readResultsIds and readResults). You can use tools such as curl or SOAP UI.

    Blackboard Consulting can provide assistance with sample transactions.

  10. If successful, you should see the exact transaction in the log file in <bbhome>/logs/custom/bbgs-GradeJourney.log. The status of the grades, columns, and course should say extracted.
  11. If the extract was not successful, consult this same log. Data Integration logs are available in <bbhome>/logs/data-integration or by visiting System Admin > Data Integration > Student Information System.