The Course Copy Function: More Detail

The Copy Course function (Import Wizard > Copy Course) is designed to copy course content not make changes to course enrollments (the Roster). When you copy course materials, the Copy Course function replaces any existing course materials as well as any student submissions related to the “overwritten” (previously existing) course content. The original content and related submissions will be replaced (lost) as a result of the import process.

So, in essence, students can be enrolled into a blank shell or a course where the faculty member is still importing content, using the Import Wizard > Copy Course process and the student and faculty enrollments remain in the course. Only the content is being replaced. Any student submissions will be lost as they are tied to the original course content that has now been overwritten with the new course content. The copy process only copies learning objects, grade book settings, agents, saved reports, theme settings, but not students.

Updated Information on Copying Course Content

We’re learning as we go. Contrary to our previous understanding, you can use the Manage > Import Wizard > Copy Course command to copy content from a source course into a production course even after students have been added to the course but not after the course opens and there’s student activity. Here’s an update:

• The Copy Course function copies content into the target course but leaves students enrolled.
• If you have student activity such as email and tracking information (such as the number of log-in sessions), that information is not overwritten by the Copy Course.
• If students have taken assessments or submitted assignments, that information is overwritten.

In summary, use the Copy Course feature before the course is opened up to students (typically, first day of classes) but not on or after that date.