Blackboard Version 9.1 Training for Undergraduate Students Dr. Wm. E. Stuermann NGU 6/27/11

Introduction Welcome to the Blackboard Version 9.1 (Bb V 9.1) undergraduate student tutorial. The purpose of this tutorial is to provide training in Bb V. 9.1 to the undergraduate students of North Greenville University. Graduate students are also welcome to use it. In this PowerPoint (PPT) presentation you will learn the basics of manipulating and using Bb.

How to View This Training This training is best viewed in the ‘normal’ view of PowerPoint which permits you to read the notes at the bottom of the screen while viewing the screen shots. This view is selected by clicking the far left PPT view icon at the bottom of the PPT screen. The best procedure is to also open your Bb account and work through the instructions rather than simply reading about them here. You can toggle back and forth between this PPT presentation and Bb. If you are viewing this screen in the PPT side show mode right now, right click on this screen and choose ‘End Show’. With the slide highlighted on the left, you can use the page down button or the arrow down button on your computer to move down through the slides. The notes begin with the first screen shot.

Tricks of the Trade If you do not see the notes area at the bottom of the screen, point the cursor at the bottom until it changes into a double headed arrow cut by two parallel lines. Click and drag the top of the notes area up. You can move the screen shot up or down using either the scroll controls or the roller on your mouse. Roll far enough and the next side appears. You may have to adjust the height of the notes area if the notes are extensive. In fact, you should scroll down in the Notes area using the scroll bar on the far right to make sure that you have seen all of the notes on each slide. Of course, if there is no scroll bar, you have seen all of the note.

One of the most important guidelines in using Bb is consistency. You will see repeatedly that V. 9.1 (Version 9.1) works in a very similar manner throughout the course. This is a characteristics will help you figure out how various parts of the system work.

To learn how to operate or manipulate Blackboard you need to do three things. Study materials, like this PPT presentation. Practice and play with the system while expecting that not all will work like you expect it to at first. Seek help when necessary. The Help links and Google are very good

What if you open up Bb and do not see the course in which you are enrolled? The most likely reason are: 1.If no courses at all appear, then probably your enrollment with the Business Office is not complete. Check with the Business Office. 2.If there are no courses and the Business Office says you are clear, contact the Helpdesk at x7272 or visit it in the Administrative or Donnan building at the top of the wide staircase, to the left, and three doors down on the left. 3.If only one or two courses are missing, most like your instructor(s) has/have failed to make your course available. Contact your instructor(s).

Blackboard Uses the NGU System Blackboard at NGU is configured to use the NGU system. While taking courses at NGU you will have to use the NGU system. Even if you prefer to use another provider you must routinely check your NGU for communications from your instructors.

Support The first source of assistance is your instructor. Notify you instructor of any problems you encounter and ask you instructor how to accomplish tasks in Bb. When you need technical support, the first person to contact is your instructor, who might be able to help you or refer you to someone else. For general questions regarding manipulating Bb you can contact Dr. Wm. E. Stuermann, x 2091, For technical support, contact the Help Desk, x7272, or visit the help desk on the second floor of Donnan across from the restrooms.

Computer Requirements You must have reliable access to a reliably functioning computer and reliable access to a reliable Internet connection. Your computer must have the capacity and configuration to use Blackboard. The computer must at least be compatible with Microsoft Word (not Word Perfect) and Microsoft Excel. Your instructor may inform you of other computer requirements. You must be sufficiently computer literate to be able to use Blackboard, the Internet, and Microsoft Office.

The End I would appreciate any comments you have about this presentation, particularly how to improve it. What other topics or Bb features should be covered? Any comments you have can be sent to: Thank you for your attention. Dr. Stuermann