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Blackboard - Getting Started
 
1. What is Blackboard?
 
 
3. The Main Course Window
 
4. Navigation Area
 
5. Basic Navigation Area Buttons
 
6. The Control Buttons
 
7. Entering A Course
 
8. Exiting a Course
 
9. Download your Syllabus
 
10. Saving your Syllabus
 
11. Read and Post Messages on the Discussion Board
 
12. Adding a New Thread
 
13. Reading and Replying to a Message
 
14. Digital Drop Box
 
15. Personal Information
 
16. Edit Personal Information
 
17. Changing your Password
 
18. AOL Users and Other Users not Using Microsoft Internet Exploer
 
 
What is Blackboard?
 
Blackboard is an application that allows students to take courses from wherever they are.  Every student has an ID and Password which allows them to access their online course.  From there, online courses are conducted on Blackboard according to the Instructor's and University's semester course schedule and coursework deadlines.  Lectures, coursework, and discussions all take place online at Blackboard at the Student's convience during the week. 
 
 
The Blackboard Environment
 
When you log into Blackboard you will select you class. This screen is called your course site. There are three main components on this site: the main course window, the navigation area, and the control buttons.
 
 
The Main Course Window
 
The main course window should be considered your home screen. When using Blackboard, all content and communication tools display in the area. Announcements can be found on this page every time you log into the course. Pertinent information regarding course assignments, discussion topics, and even exams may be displayed in the Announcements section.
 
 
Navigation Area
 
The navigation area consists of a row of buttons located along the left side of the window. Clicking any of these buttons in the navigation area will take you to the corresponding area of the course. Certain areas may be secure, or password protected, to ensure that only registered students can enter and to keep grading information private between students and instructors.
 
 
Basic Navigation Area Buttons
 
  • "Announcements" displays announcements, updates, and reminders. Announcements are displayed in the main course window each time you enter the course.
  • "Syllabus" displays the class syllabus.
  • "Staff Information" contains specific information about staff or faculty who are involved with the course.
  • "OLC" displays specific information about the Myers University Online phone numbers and office hours. The staff is available to assist with Blackboard.
  • "Assignments" consists of course assignments, test, quizzes, and surveys. The instructor may have buttons dedicated especially to Quizzes, Tests, or Exams. So be sure to look everywhere for these important items.
  • "Discussion Board" is a communication tool used in a classroom setting. This feature is designed so users do not have to be available at the same time to have a conversation.
  • "Course Documents" contains the majority of information that will be delivered online, such as course outlines, handouts, lecture materials, related readings, links, and practice quizzes.
 
 
The Control Buttons
 
Two control buttons, located below the navigation area, guide you through the course. The Resources button links directly to Blackboard online resources to assist with course-related issues. The Course Map button allows you easy access to Course Information, Staff Information, Course Documents, Assignments, Communication, External links, and Students Tools.
 
 
Entering a Course
 
  • Go to http://dnmc.blackboard.com.
  • Click the Login button.
  • Type in user name. This would be the first initial of your first name followed by your last name example: jsmith.
  • Type in password. The password is your social security number or the password that you have selected. (Your MAC password and Blackboard password are two different passwords).
  • Click the Login button.
 
 
Exiting a Course
 
  1. Click the Logout link. (This is located at the very top of the main course window.)
  2. Close your browser. (This is located at the very top of the main course window.)
 
 
Download your syllabus
 
  • Click on the "Syllabus" button located in the Navigation area.
  • There will be a Syllabus document listed with a link located below it.
  • Click on the link and the syllabus will appear.
  • Print out a copy.
 
 
Saving your Syllabus
 
  • Highlight the document.
  • Right click your mouse and select copy.
  • Open a Word Document.
  • Right click your mouse and select paste.
  • Save the document.
 
 
Read and post messages on the Discussion Board
 
The Discussion Board is where your instructor can post questions that they want the students to answer. Students can also use this section to communicate with others in the class along with the instructor. The Discussion Board is located in the Navigation Area. Click on the Discussion Board button.
 
 
Adding a new thread
 
  • Click on the name of the discussion board within which you would like to start a thread of discussion.
  • Click the "Add New Thread" button.
  • Type the subject and message to be posted.
  • Click an appropriate option button in the Options area.
  • Click the "Preview" button to view your message before it is posted.
  • Click the "Submit" button to post your message. Your thread will
    display with a new icon on the right hand side.
  • Click on the "OK" button to return to the Discussion Board start page.
 
 
Reading and Replying to a Message
 
  • Click the name of the discussion board you would like to enter.
  • Click the name of the message you would like to respond to.
  • Click the "Reply" button to post a reply.
  • Type the subject and message to be posted.
  • Click the "Preview" button to view your message before it is posted.
  • Click the Submit button to post your message.
 
 
Digital Drop Box
 
This is a tool that instructors and students can use to exchange files (reports, papers, etc.) by uploading a file from a disk or computer to a central location.
  • Click the "Student Tools" button in the navigation area and then click the digital drop box.
  • Click the "Send File" button.
  • Indicate a file to upload by clicking the "Browse" button and selecting the appropriate file.
  • Type the text to display with the file link name in the Title text box.
  • Click the "Submit" button to send the file to the Drop Box where your instructor can access it.
  • After the receipt displays, click the "OK" button to continue working in the Digital Drop Box or return to the course by clicking the appropriate button in the navigation area.
 
 
Personal Information
 
Your personal information can be changed anytime using the Personal Information area under Student Tools. Consider using this tool when you get a new e-mail address or new phone number.
 
 
Edit Personal Information
 
  1. Click the "Student Tools" button in the navigation area and then "Personal Information".
  2. Click "Edit Personal Information."
  3. Scroll to the field you want to change and type the new information.
  4. Click the "Submit" button.
 
 
Changing Your Password
 
  1. Click the "Student Tools" button and then click "Personal Information".
  2. Click "Change Password."
  3. Type a new password.
  4. Type the new password a second time for verification.
  5. Click the "Submit" button.
 
 
AOL Users and Other Users not Using Microsoft Internet Explorer
 
The AOL browser is not compatible with Blackboard. This may cause students to be kicked off Blackboard without a warning. Keep this in mind because many of the tests or quizzes that you will be taking are one-time completion. So if you have AOL and you are taking that important test or quiz, there is a great chance that you will be kicked off. A way to avoid this problem is:
  1. Connect to the Internet like you normally would.
  2. After connection, minimize the AOL page.
  3. Click on the Internet Explorer button. Make sure that it is Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher.
  4. Log into Blackboard and proceed with your course like you normally would.
AOL Users: If there are any problems please call the Online Learning Center: (216)361-2765