Dear Instructors and Designers,
We hope you are enjoying your summer!
In early August, we will upgrade all course web sites on the WebVista B server to WebVista Version 4. WebVista Version 4 contains many tool and navigation enhancements to WebVista Version 3 while retaining all current Version 3 functionality. The upgrade to Version 4 requires minimal cleanup of content and design, allowing for a relatively transparent transition for you and your students.
The University currently runs WebVista Version 3 (formerly WebCT Vista) and has two separate instances of it: WebVista A and WebVista B. If you use the myU Portal, your classes have been listed under either WebVista A or WebVista B.
Because WebVista A contains many ongoing non-credit and Data Security training course Web sites, WebVista A will remain at Version 3 for fall 2007. Our final goal is to have all Version 3 sites upgraded to a single cluster of Version 4 shortly after the end of spring semester 2008. See a diagram of the planned upgrade at http://webvista.umn.edu/version4/about/upgrade-diagram.pdf.
Whether you are on WebVista A or B, you may continue to develop your sites in Version 3. Colleges and departments on WebVista A who wish to upgrade to Version 4 may request batch upgrades, and all instructors may request Version 4 sites for fall 2007 after the initial upgrade.
While any software upgrade involves new issues and learning, we feel confident the upgrade to Version 4 is a positive step forward. Working with the Academic Technology Advisory Committee (ATAC) representatives, we have evaluated the features in Version 4 and discussed how we can best support you as you use Version 4. In addition to working with your collegiate or department support personnel, please explore the following links.
Please contact webvista@umn.edu with your questions, comments, and feedback. We will be sending more updates throughout the summer. Thank you!
UMN WebVista Admin/Support Team