This document provides technical details on how the integration between Blackboard and Edlink operates, including data mapping, supported models, and important considerations for successful implementation.
How the Integration Works
Edlink's integration with Blackboard facilitates synchronization of key educational data, including users, courses, enrollments, assignments, and submissions. The integration leverages Blackboard API endpoints to pull data and transform it into Edlink's unified data model. Blackboard objects like Users, Courses, and Enrollments are mapped to Edlink objects through a standardized transformation process.
Data Mapping
The table below highlights how Blackboard entities are mapped to Edlink's internal data models:
| Blackboard Entity | Edlink Entity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Users | Person | Includes Students, Teachers, and Administrators. Roles are mapped based on Blackboard user roles. |
| Courses | Course | Blackboard courses are synced to Edlink courses. |
| Sections | Class | Each section in Blackboard becomes a class in Edlink. |
| Enrollments | Enrollment | Links users to classes, syncing their enrollment status. |
| Assignments | Assignment | Retains metadata such as due dates, points, and descriptions. |
| Submissions | Submission | Reflects student submissions, including timestamps, statuses, and files. |
Key Considerations
API Access and Permissions:
Ensure the API client has sufficient permissions to access Blackboard endpoints for users, courses, and grades. Lack of permissions may result in incomplete data syncs.
Historical Data Limitations:
Blackboard's API primarily supports active courses and enrollments. Historical data may not be available without additional customization.
Role Mapping:
Custom roles in Blackboard must be manually mapped to appropriate Edlink roles during initial setup to avoid discrepancies.
Time Zones:
Ensure that time zones for courses and assignments are correctly configured in Blackboard to maintain alignment in Edlink.
SSO Dependencies:
Blackboard's SSO integration requires proper OAuth2 credentials. Misconfigured OAuth settings may result in authentication failures.
Recommendations for Common Issues
Solutions for common issues that may arise when integrating with Blackboard.
Missing Data (Users, Courses, or Enrollments)
- Verify that the Blackboard API user has access to all relevant endpoints (
users.read,courses.read, etc.). - Confirm that sync settings are configured to include all desired academic terms.
Enrollment Discrepancies
- Ensure that course enrollments are active and linked to the correct sections. Inactive enrollments may not sync properly.
Assignment or Submission Errors
- Check that assignment metadata in Blackboard (e.g., due dates, grading categories) adheres to API specifications. Unsupported formats or missing data may prevent proper syncing.
For further assistance, contact Edlink support or your Customer Success Manager.