We can use a data integration to load/edit information in Blackboard on an ad hoc basis. To do this, we first need to create the integration itself, and we also need to create the file with the data we need, which depends on whether we want to work with person, course, enrollment, node, or other types of elements.

The information required for each one and how to build these files is explained in different articles, depending on what we want to create or edit:

• Users
• Courses and organizations
• Enrollments
• Terms
• Nodes
• etc.

When we have the file ready with each record to modify, we will go to Administrator Panel > Integrations > Data Integration > Student Information System Integrations and click Create Integration > Flat File Snapshot.

Creating the integration

We will give the integration a name and add a password. You can use the description to indicate the type of file expected or its purpose, such as “Course deletion” or “Special course creation.” We will make sure to select the delimiter used in the file. For example, Pipe. We select Active and save.

You can select an existing data source or even create one directly at this point. This way, everything uploaded through this integration will appear associated with the selected data source. If you configure it this way, with a specific data source, you will not need to add the DATA_SOURCE_KEY column to the upload files.

It is time to upload the file.

The integration has many options that will allow, for example, the created integration to delete courses or make partial copies.  Here you can see all the advanced options for working with integrations.