What Happens if I Exceed the 1GB Quota for my Blackboard Learn course?
If you reach the 1GB limit, when attempting to add course materials/content (which involves uploading files), you will get an error similar to one of our screenshots below:
The error message received in the screenshot above, upon uploading a file, indicates that attached files did NOT get uploaded to the course. While it appears to make the link, editing reveals the file did not get included. It is now imperative that you take measures to rectify the issue. So what can you do? Take steps to decrease the size of your course. See "How do I fix this problem?" lower on this page.
What if I do a Course Copy with a course that is more than 1 GB?
If you copy a course from a semester prior to Fall 2021 that exceeds the 1GB quota, the copy process will complete as usual. However, if you attempt to add course materials/content (which involves uploading files), you will get the error shown in the screenshot above in the section titled, "What happens if I exceed the 1GB quota?" The behavior of the course into which you copied the large (over quota) course will be the same as any other course that has exceeded the 1GB quota.
Will I get a warning before I reach the 1 GB limit?
No, at this time you will NOT get a warning as there are concerns with instructors getting notified for old courses that are over the warning limit and the confusion that causes. Additionally, we don't want instructors editing courses after the semester has completed so they should not go back to old courses. Please see our step by step instructions if you wish to check the size of your course.
What contributes to large courses?
There are a number of actions that contribute. Some of the more known reasons are:
Video files uploaded directly to Blackboard (video files should be moved to Panopto, our streaming solution).
Narrated PowerPoints (Save/export your presentation to a video file format such as .mp4 or .wmv. Then upload to Panopto.)
Files that are uploaded multiple times using "Browse Local Files" where "Browse Content Collection" or "Overwrite File" features should have been used.
Large images (See how to reduce image sizes).
Student video submissions using Bb Assignments rather than Panopto (use Panopto Video Student Assignments in Blackboard Learn Ultra instead)
Multiple course copies which results in unnecessary, duplicate files (Request a consultation)
How do I fix this problem?
If you need assistance, we are here to help:
If your course is designated as face-to-face or hybrid/blended, simply "Request a Consultation".
If your course is designated as online, please contact Online and Distance Education.
If you're up to trying to rectify the issue on your own, here are some resources to guide you:
1st - Locate and delete large files that are either no longer needed including any large video files:
How Do I Locate and Delete Large Files from My Blackboard Learn Ultra Course?2nd - Use the Panopto integration in Bb Learn Ultra to store your videos and provide the link to your students in the course:
How Do I use Panopto with Blackboard Ultra (for Instructors)?