Getting Started

Because Blackboard is internet-based, you need to have access to the internet to use it. But you can login from anywhere you are on the internet - university, home, public library, cyber cafes, wireless connection on GNER... You just need to have a web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox etc) and a Blackboard account (your ICT usernumber and password).

• Settings for browser compatibility and configuration. (on campus, computers will be set up to use Blackboard already)
• Information and instructions on how to access Blackboard.

Module Overview and Content

When you have logged into Blackboard, you will see a box entitled 'My Modules' listing all the modules you are taking which have resources in Blackboard and which are available to you.

• Removing old modules from / tidying up your My Modules list
• Blackboard module overview
• Guidance for downloading / printing files from Blackboard
• Having trouble opening particular files?

Communication

Blackboard provides enhanced tools for staff-student and student-student communication.

Discussion Board. A number of lecturers now provide discussion boards to accompany a module. A discussion board is a centrally posted email-type conversation, organised in threads, which you can follow and reply to. Some brief instructions:

• How to post messages to a Blackboard discussion
• Advanced options for viewing/collecting messages

Virtual Classroom. Whereas a discussion board allows you to contribute in your own time, the Virtual Classroom provides a synchrous communication tool - either a simple text 'chat' window, or a more feature-rich version which includes for example a shared whiteboard. This might allow a guest expert from another university to be online during a class with you.

Assessment

Blackboard provides for both electronically submitting work and for taking online quizzes and surveys.

• How to submit Assignments
• How to take a Quiz / Survey

Resolving Problems

• You can use our help flowchart to identify your problem, or work through our interactive helpdesk pages (updated version coming soon).
• If you have password problems go to your School help desk or follow the appropriate link on the Blackboard Help tab.
• We also have a list of Blackboard Student Frequently Asked Questions.