I want to thank everyone for all the great questions. This Q & A has been created based on the assumption that many more people want to know the answers to the questions that have been emailed since the last transition update. We will keep this post updated as more questions come in and as we move further along in the process.
*All answers provided are based on current conditions and the best information we have available at this time. We will endeavor to keep this up-to-date and accurate as changes occur
General Transition Information
Q: What is happening with VidGrid?
A: FHSU is transitioning from VidGrid to Panopto as our new video content management system. This represents a significant upgrade to our video capabilities on campus.
Q: Will my existing VidGrid content be preserved?
A: Yes, your content is fully protected. All videos created or viewed in VidGrid after January 2023 will be seamlessly transferred to Panopto. Additionally, every video you’ve created in VidGrid, regardless of creation date, will be preserved and archived in MP4 format on the FHSU N drive.
Q: Will summer courses be disrupted by this transition?
A: No, summer courses will proceed without any disruption. Faculty and students will retain full access to all instructor-created videos throughout the summer semester. (Note: There will be a 1-3 hour downtime when the Blackboard relinking occurs. We will announce that in advance)
Q: Can students still create and submit video assignments using VidGrid during summer courses?
A: Yes, students can continue using the VidGrid Student Record function in Blackboard and VidGrid guest record links until August 1, 2025. However, videos created after June 30th will not be automatically migrated to Panopto.
Q: What alternative is recommended for student video assignments?
A: GoReact is recommended as an alternative platform specifically designed for students to create presentations for assessment and instructor review. It offers specialized features for educational video assignments that many faculty find helpful for grading and providing feedback.
Q: Can I create new videos during the summer for fall courses?
A: Yes, starting July 1st, you can begin creating videos in Panopto. This is actually recommended if you plan to create many videos, as it will help you become familiar with the platform before the busy fall semester.
Q: I’m really excited to learn more about Panopto. Where do I start?
A: While we are busy creating FHSU customized resources, Panopto has their own comprehensive resources. Here are two links to get you started Panopto Video Tutorials and an Instructor Guide to Using Panopto in Blackboard Ultra.
Q: When does the transition happen?
A: The key dates are:
- June 30, 2025: Last day for new VidGrid uploads that will be automatically migrated
- July 1, 2025: Panopto becomes available for use
- August 1, 2025: VidGrid videos in Blackboard to be relinked through Panopto
Timeline and Access
Q: Can I still use VidGrid during the summer?
A: Yes, you can continue using VidGrid for video creation through June 30, 2025. For student recordings specifically, you can continue using VidGrid until August 1, 2025.
Q: When will Panopto be available?
A: Panopto will be available starting July 1, 2025, barring any unanticipated glitches in the installation process. Training materials will be provided as close to July 1st as possible.
Q: What happens to videos created in VidGrid after June 30th?
A: Videos created in VidGrid after June 30th will NOT be automatically transferred to Panopto. However, you can download them as MP4 files and upload them to Panopto manually if you wish to preserve them long-term.
Q: Will our Zoom recordings automatically be uploaded to Panopto like they are in VidGrid now?
A: Yes, you will be able to have your Zoom recordings automatically be added to your Panopto account. In future you will be able to do the same for Teams meetings.
Course Integration and Links
Q: Will my VidGrid videos embedded in Blackboard courses still work?
A: Yes, all VidGrid videos currently embedded in Blackboard courses will be automatically relinked to Panopto before the start of the Fall semester. Your courses will continue to function seamlessly.
Q: What about videos that are linked (not embedded) in my courses?
A: The relinking process is being worked on for linked videos as well. As long as you have provided active links, they should be identifiable and relinked along with the embedded videos.
Q: Do I need to update website links that point to VidGrid videos?
A: Yes, if you have VidGrid videos linked on FHSU website pages outside of Blackboard, you will need to update those links to point to the new Panopto hosting locations once the transition is complete.
Content Access and Archiving
Q: How do I access the N-drive where archived videos will be stored?
A: Instructions for accessing the N-drive will be sent out once the videos have been indexed and placed in the appropriate folders, expected in early July.
Q: Will VidGrid analytics carry over to Panopto?
A: No, VidGrid viewing analytics will not carry over to Panopto. However, Panopto offers its own robust analytics system.
Q: What is the FHSU archive mentioned in the emails?
A: The FHSU archive refers to storage on the N drive, which is controlled on campus rather than being cloud-based.
Content Ownership and Organization
Q: What if someone who created videos for my department is no longer with the university?
A: If videos were created by someone who is no longer working with your team, ownership of those videos will need to be transferred so that you have access to them. We will be able to initiate those transfers by transferring ownership of video file folders once those are set up on the N drive.
Q: Will my folder organization be preserved in Panopto?
A: Folder structures may not fully translate during the migration, so you may want to reorganize your newly converted content in Panopto.
Contact Information
For additional questions about the VidGrid to Panopto transition, contact: tilt@fhsu.edu
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