Internet course resource Blackboard went back online after a two-day hiatus yesterday evening -- if only barely.
The site first posted messages acknowledging system failure at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday. A message posted yesterday morning reported inconsistent access, while an afternoon update said that the system would be taken down to "pursue more aggressive problem resolution."
At 6:30 p.m. yesterday, Blackboard was back online, although users were warned of intermittent access problems. Students were advised to quit their Web browser before accessing the site again, wait a few seconds before reloading the site or access the site through an alternate Web address, https://courseweb.upenn.edu.
"It's not always consistent," said Sandra Kerbel, public services director for the Penn library system, which runs the site.
Citing the complexity of the system as a cause for problems, Kerbel added, "We think we have pinpointed what part of the system we need to do more testing with."
The system is expected to be fully functioning tomorrow. Meanwhile, support has been available to instructors who need to communicate with students.
-- Cynthia Yeung
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
