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 website, let’s take moment to become familiar with it. 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 the following link to go to the Division of Educational Technologywebsite. Once you're there, take a look at the right side of the screen. Let's review the following links:

• Online Testing
• Blackboard Support
• Video Tutorials
• Student Email
• Microsoft Software
• Smarthinking.

Click Next at the top of the page to continue.

Online Testing

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 Online Testing linkto read about testing procedures and important icons. This is a good site to add to your favorites.

Now let's look at Blackboard Support. Click Next to continue.

Blackboard Support

This is the best place to find help, FAST! You can call anytime of the day, night and even weekends. If you prefer to browse the support site, you can search for your answer or view the categories. If live chats are your thing, that is also available. This is also a good site to add to your favorites. A link to this site is also available on the Blackboard login page and inside Blackboard under the Services & Support tab. If you would prefer to just email a question in, email us at blackboard@bpcc.edu.

• If you need assistance with Blackboard
  • Call us at 1.866.353.7357 (24/7)
  • Web Assistance - Including FAQ, Live Chat and Tutorials
  • Email us at blackboard@bpcc.edu

Click Next to find out about Video Tutorials.

Video Tutorials

There are several video 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 Video Tutorials. You will see a list of available videos. You may also pick up a CD containing these tutorials at the Division of Educational Technology on the BPCC campus (Building D room 217).

Click Next to find out about Student Email.

Student Email

Let'sand watch the video about 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:

• Student Web
• Division of Educational Technology website
• Blackboard Login page

To access your student email, use the following login information:

• Username = first initial of first name, full last name, and last 3 digits of the student ID
• Password = birthday in 6-digit format

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 offers discounted Microsoft Office software to students. Click on the Microsoft Software linkon the Educational Technology website for additional information. If you have any problems with the acquisition or installation of this software, please contact Computer Services at 318-678-6293.

Remember, many computers come with Microsoft Works which is NOT an acceptable option when Microsoft Word is required.

What if we wanted to get Tutoring online? Let's go there Next!

Smarthinking Information

Now let'sand watch the video about BPCC's online tutoring service:

Smarthinking is a 24 hour tutoring resource available at no cost to BPCC students. Once you access Smarthinking, you will have access to tutors who have a Masters degree or higher in their respective subject areas.

Note: You must allow pop-ups from Smarthinking in order to use the site

Tip: Click on the Smarthinking link to view a list of available subjects and services.

Remember, you must log into Blackboard and click on the Smarthinking tab to get connected to this tutoring service.

Are you ready for online learning? Click Next to find out.

Assessment

Now, let's focus on the middle portion of the Division of Educational Technology website. Here you will find the Student Self Assessment and a link to Test your Computer.

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:

• Am I a Successful Online Learner
• Am I familiar with and have Access to Email and Internet?

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.

Is your computer ready? Click Next and let's find out.

Test Your Computer

Now, let'sand watch the video about testing your computer.

You can also visit the following links for additional information:

• Basic Computer Requirements
• Computer Software Considerations

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:

1. You must use Windows 2000 or XP as your operating system.  BPCC’s Blackboard does not support any other operating system such as Windows VISTA OS, MAC OS, or Linux OS.
   
   
2. You must use Internet Explorer 6 as your Web browser.  BPCC’s Blackboard does not support any other web browsers such as AOL, Netscape, Mozilla Firefox. (I.E. 7 users please visit http://www.bpcc.edu/blackboard/ie7knownissue.html)
   
   
3. 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. (http://www.bpcc.edu/edtech/ed_software.htm#ic)
   
   
4. 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. (http://www.bpcc.edu/edtech/ed_software.htm#pub)
   
   
5. Your computer MUST have JAVA 1.5 or higher installed. Many functions of Blackboard will not work correctly if you are not running the latest version of JAVA. (http://www.bpcc.edu/edtech/ed_software.htm#j2)
   
   

Let's go to Blackboard. Click Next.

Let's Get to Blackboard

Now, it's time to log into Blackboard and find your course. Let’sand watch the video.

Remember!

• Use only Internet Explorer as your Web browser.
• Add http://blackboard.bpcc.edu to your favorites. This link will get you straight to Blackboard.
• Log in by entering:
  1. Username = 8-digit Student ID number
  2. Password = birthday in 6-digit format
     • (Example: January 1, 1980, would be entered as 010180).

Note:  Click on the Community tab to find out more about Student Services, BPCC Library Services and many other services on campus.

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.

Ways to submit assignments (video – view/complete, dropbox) There are many ways to submit an assignment.  Your instructor will determine his/her required method for submission. The following are 3 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.
• View and Complete – If your Instructor requires the use of the View and Complete method to submit assignments, please click on the video icon to view the video tutorial.
  
          
  

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.

Be sure to submit the assessment when you've finished by clicking Send.