Blackboard Orientation: Step-by-Step Walkthrough for Students
Welcome to Online Orientation! So, what is Blackboard anyway? Blackboard is the name of the software that delivers your online/internet course(s). This orientation will provide the information you need to get started in your Blackboard course(s). Since you will access your course through the Division of Educational Technology web site, let’s take moment to become familiar with it (site). The resources you find there will help you get started and will also be of assistance to you throughout your course(s).
Online courses begin on the first day of the semester.
This orientation does not replace other mandatory class orientations. Please check your academic bulletin for all required course orientations.
Click Next at the top of the page to get started.
Important Links from the Division of Educational Technology site
First, click on the following link to go to the Division of Educational Technology website.
Let’s take a look at the following topics:
- Online Testing
- Blackboard Support
- Tutorials
- Student Email
- Microsoft Software
Click Next at the top of the page to continue.
Taking Tests Online
Testing on Blackboard is a very critical issue. It is recommended that you do not attempt to take a test using a wireless connection to the Internet. If your connection is lost, you may be locked out of your test. It is up to the Instructor whether or not to re-set the test, or have you come to campus to complete the test. Please visit the Taking Tests Online link
to read about testing procedures and important icons. This is a good site to add to your favorites.
Path:
support.bpcc.edu > Students > Student Blackboard FAQ
Now let's look at Blackboard Support. Click Next to continue.
Blackboard Support
This is the best place to find help, FAST! You can search for your answer or view the categories. This is also a good site to add to your favorites. A link to this site is also available in Blackboard by clicking on the Help icon at the top of each page. You can also click on the BPCC icon inside each course to go to this support page. If you would prefer to just email a question in, email us at blackboard@bpcc.edu.
- If you need assistance with Blackboard
Path: support.bpcc.edu
Click Next to find out about Video Tutorials.
Tutorials
There are several tutorials provided for you in this Blackboard Orientation. However, you may view these tutorials at anytime during the semester. Simply go to the links section of the Educational Technology website and click on Tutorials. You will see a list of available videos.
Path: support.bpcc.edu > Student > Blackboard Videos
Click Next to find out about Student Email.
Student Email
Tip: It is recommended that you create folders for each of your classes and save related emails in the appropriate folders.
You may access Student Email from a variety of places:
- Current Students tab
- Division of Educational Technology website
- Blackboard Login page
Please click on the following link for student email log on instructions student.bpcc.edu/webmail
Path: www.bpcc.edu > Online Learning > Educational Technology > Current Online Students > Resources > Student Email
Let's talk about Software. Click Next.
Microsoft Software
Some courses require the use of Microsoft products such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Access. If your course requires this software and you need to purchase it, BPCC's Bookstore offers discounted Microsoft Office software to students.
Check the Online Course Scheduleto see if your course will require any additional software.
Remember, many computers come with Microsoft Works which is NOT an acceptable option when Microsoft Word is required.
What are some important Blackboard Features? Find out Next!
Submitting an Assignment
You may be asked to submit your assigments online through Blackboard.
The following video will demonstrate this process. You will have the opportunity to participate by clicking on certain links in order to advance the video. (click to view)
Support Site
Click Next to find out how to post to the Discussion Board.
Posting to the Discussion Board
You may be asked to go to the Discussion Board to introduce yourself to your online classmates. Your instructor may use the Discussion Board to create discussions. Students will post comments while others reply much like a Facebook conversation.
The following video will introduce you to the Discussion Board and its basic operation. As you watch, you will have the opportunity to participate by clicking on certain links in order to advance the video. (click to view)
Support Site
Will Blackboard work well on your computer? Let's find out Next!
Assessment
Now let’s find out if you and your computer are ready for an online course.
Click Next and let's start with the self assessment.
Student Self Assessments
The question is, "Are you ready to take an online class?" Our top concern is that you successfully complete your online course. It is important to be familiar with the necessary skills and tools you need to succeed in an online course.
Review the following links:
Now, take the "Student Online Readiness Tool"and see how you score. Please address any concerns that may have been identified in the assessment. The skills addressed in the assessment are the necessary ones you need in order to succeed in your online course.
Note: Only you will see the results of these tests. Our Educational Technology staff is available to assist you with any concerns you may have after taking the assessments.
Click on the following link for an introduction to online learning www.bpcc.edu/educationaltechnology/onlinelearningintro.html.
Is your computer ready? Click Next and let's find out.
Test Your Computer
Now, let'sand test your web browser. Click on Test Your Web Browser. This will open a new page. Review the entire page. When you have done that, come back to this page and continue.
You can also visit the following links for additional information:
Remember: Many security software packages block such communications. We do not want to open your computer to unnecessary risks, but you must allow your computer to communicate with Blackboard.
Note: You may also call our office for assistance (318-678-6023 during normal business hours).
Requirement Summary:
- BPCC recommends using Windows XP, VISTA, or Windows 7 as your operating system. BPCC’s Blackboard does not support any other operating system such as previous versions of Microsoft OS (win95, win98, winNT, winME, win2000), MAC OS, and Linux OS.)
- Blackboard recommends the use of the following web browsers:
- Your computer MUST be set to accept internet cookies from bpcc.edu. You will not be able to log into Blackboard if you are blocking internet cookies from bpcc.edu.
- You computer MUST be set to accept pop-ups from bpcc.edu. You will not be able to submit tests correctly if you are blocking pop-ups from bpcc.edu.
- Your computer MUST have JAVA 1.6 or higher installed. Many functions of Blackboard will not work correctly if you are not running the latest version of JAVA.
Path: support.bpcc.edu > Downloads > Computer Requirements
Let's go to Blackboard. Click Next.
Let's Get to Blackboard
Remember!
To get to Blackboard:
- Go to the BPCC website, www.bpcc.edu
- Click on the Blackboard icon on the left side of the page.
- To login to Blackboard, use your LoLa login information. Your username will be your Lola Username. Your Password will be your birth date using the 6-digit format. For example, if you were born on March 4, 1992, your Password will be 030492
- When logged in, you will see a list of your courses in the My Courses box in the middle of the page. Click on a course link to enter that course.
Note: Click on the Community tab to find out more about Student Services, BPCC Library Services and many other services on campus.
Path: www.bpcc.edu > Online Learning > Educational Technology > Blackboard Login
Click Next to find out how to get into your course(s).
Inside the Course
Remember: Course Information is where you will find introductory information about your course. This is the section where you will find the course syllabus, grading policies, testing information, and what to do to get started.
How to submit assignments There are many ways to submit an assignment. Your instructor will determine his/her required method for submission. The following are 2 of the most popular methods:
- Email Attachments - When sending email to your instructor, use your BPCC Student Email account ONLY. Using personal email accounts such as Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo mail are not recommended. When sending your assignment, make sure you complete the email subject line as directed by your Instructor.
- Assignment – Your Instructor may require the use of the Assignment method in Blackboard to submit assignments. Please click on the video icons to view an instructional video tutorial on this method..
Click Next to continue.
Academic Integrity
This part of the orientation reviews Academic Integrity. It will cover the following four areas. Please review closely each of these areas!
- Academic Dishonesty -Definition & Types
- Causes of Academic Dishonesty
- Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
- Protecting Yourself
Click Next to continue.
Academic Dishonesty Defined
- Academic dishonesty refers to committing or contributing to dishonest acts by those engaged in teaching, learning, research, & related academic activities
- It applies not just to students – but everyone in the academic environment (Cizek, 2003; Whitley, Jr. & Keith Spiegel, 2002)
- BPCC considers academic dishonesty as a serious offense, regardless of whether it was committed intentionally or unintentionally
Click Next to continue.
Types of Academic Dishonesty
-
Cheating: involves unauthorized use of information, materials, devices, sources, or practices in completing academic activities
- Examples: copying during an exam that should be completed individually or having your textbook open or search engines open during an online exam, texting answers to your classmates, having someone else take your online test for you, are all examples of CHEATING!
-
A student who allows another student to copy from his/her work is considered to be facilitating or contributing to the cheating
-
Plagiarism: type of cheating in which someone adopts another person’s ideas, words, design, art, music, etc., as his/her own without acknowledging the source or when necessary, obtaining permission from the author
- Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional
- Examples: intentional plagiarism would be submission of research paper purchased from the Internet as original work.
- Unintentional plagiarism is patch-writing, failure to cite a source completely or accurately, and failure to quote - even if it is unintentional, you are still guilty of academic dishonesty
-
Fabrication or falsification: involves unauthorized creation or alteration of information in an academic document or activity
- Examples: artificially creating data when it should be collected from an actual experiment or making up a source of information that does not exist
-
Sabotage: involves disrupting or destroying another person’s work so that the other person cannot successfully complete an academic activity
- Examples: destroying another person’s artwork or experiment
- Failure to contribute to a team project can also be considered academic sabotage
Click Next to continue.
Causes of Academic Dishonesty
- Peer pressure
- Performance anxiety
- Excuse making
- Time management issues
- Situations that encourage academic dishonesty
- Self-justification habits
- Unfamiliarity with what constitutes academic dishonesty
- Lack of understanding about consequences and College Policy on Academic Integrity/Honesty
Click Next to continue.
Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
- Failing grade on exam, experiment, or other academic activity
AND/OR
- Failing grade for the class
AND/OR
- Suspension from class or in some cases, you are asked by the instructor to withdraw from the class
AND/OR
- Expulsion from institution
BPCC does have a due process when it comes to academic dishonesty. Please refer to the “Student Handbook” posted to the BPCC website.
Click Next to continue.
Protecting Yourself
- Be familiar with the importance of academic integrity in the class and within the institution
- Review each class CSIS (Course Section Information Sheet) for expectations your instructor may have regarding course work and class attendance that go beyond the policies of the College and Student Handbook
- Learn principles of good writing so you have the skills to express yourself in your own words
- Learn how to paraphrase a source with your own words, making sure you cite the source document
- Be familiar with what constitutes plagiarism and other forms of cheating
- Learn how to cite sources properly
- Talk with your instructor if you are confused about citation practices or other research standards
- Learn to use the Internet appropriately
You're almost finished! Click Next for the final step of your online orientation.
Congratulations!
You have completed the Blackboard Online Orientation. Next, please complete and submit the following assessment. Your results will be emailed to the Division of Educational Technology as a record of your completion of this orientation.
Please return to the orientation anytime during your semester should you need to review the material.
Take the online assessment.
e sure and print either a certificate or your score summary for your records.
