Before you can import information into the BDI-2 Data Manager, you must organize the data into a sequence that matches the order in which information is organized in the program, and you must save the information in a comma or tab delimited file. That way, the imported data will appear correctly in the program.
Creating a template is the easiest way to organize your data in a sequence that matches the program. To do this, you must first export information from the BDI-2 Data Manager and then use the exported file to create a new file that contains the information you want to import. You must have organization, staff, and/or student information entered into the BDI-2 Data Manager before you can export it.
In order to import data, you must know the externalID and parentExternalID of your organizations. This information can be found by exporting your Organizations following the steps below. These IDs will then be entered in your import file to identify the organizations that your new data will be added to.
1. To export a file that can be used as a template for importing your data, choose Import/Export > Export.
2. When the Export page opens, select the option to indicate the type of file you want to export.
Organization—Select this option if you will be importing organization data.
Staff—Select this option if you will be importing staff information.
Students—Select this option if you will be importing student data.
3. Click
to expand the hierarchy list; then select a level of your organization to specify the scope of the information that is exported.
4. Specify the type of file you will be importing later.
Tab—Select this option if you are using a plain text application, such as Microsoft Notepad, to organize the data you will be importing.
Comma—Select this option if you are using a spreadsheet application, such as Microsoft Excel, to organize the data you will be importing.
5. Click
to export the file; then save it.
6. Next, locate the exported file and open it. The headers identifying each of the fields in the exported file are listed along the top of the file. Depending on the type of file you exported, each line of data below the headers represents an individual level of the organization; staff or student record; or assessment summary, domain, detail, or observation.
Delete all of the information in the file except the top line containing the headers and the first line of data. Then replace the information in the first line of data with the information that you want to import into the BDI-2 Data Manager. After making the changes, save the file and import it into the BDI-2 Data Manager.
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