Question
I need to provide access to the YSU App Cloud by Apporto for my students. How do I place Apporto in my Blackboard course?
Answer
The YSU App Cloud by Apporto can be integrated with Blackboard. This integration allows for ease of access for both students and faculty. In this article, we will discuss how faculty can link to Apporto from their course.
Accessing the YSU App Cloud via Blackboard
How to Add a VM Link to Your Course
Testing and Using the VM
The YSU App Cloud by Apporto is now accessible directly through Blackboard. Its integration follows a process similar to other tools available within the platform. Virtual Machines (VMs) have been pre-configured for easy placement and direct navigation. Depending on your needs, you can select from options such as the Engineering VM or the General VM, each equipped with specific licensed applications.
If you have questions about which VM or apps are appropriate for your course, please contact your department.
Here’s an example of how VMs appear on a course homepage:
To place a link to a VM in your course, take the following steps:
1. In your course, go to Details & Actions, scroll down to Books & Tools, and click View course & institution tools.
2. At the bottom of the tool list, under Can't find what you need?, click Browse all course tools.
3. In the comprehensive list, scroll to the Institution Tools section and locate the desired Apporto VM. Click the + icon at the bottom right of the tile to add the link to your course. Clicking the tile itself will launch the VM directly.
The link will appear in the content area where you initiated the process (e.g., Course Content (Home). You can click and drag to reposition it as needed. By default, the link is hidden from students. Use the dropdown menu to make it visible to students or to set release conditions.
Click the link to launch the Apporto tool. Blackboard will begin launching Apporto.
Once the tool launches, the VM will begin the loading process. This may take a couple of minutes.
Once loaded, you’ll be at the Apporto VM desktop, ready to use the virtual environment. A toolbar and Messenger app will appear at the top, allowing you to interact with students in real time.
Need Help?
For general questions about Apporto, please contact IT Training Services.
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