1. Avoid a with Blackboard 7.3! Bad Hair Day
Ohio University Lifelong & Distance Learning © 2009

2. I'm busy. Why bother? Your best bet --
Your Ohio University course will be delivered via Blackboard 7.3.
Some operating systems and web browsers do not “play nicely” with Blackboard 7.3.
For example, if you use Internet Explorer 8, you may experience problems with timed tests. If you use Firefox 3, you may experience problems with submitting assignments.
Use an operating system and browser combination that is certified or compatible with Blackboard 7.3 and apply any needed workarounds!
Your best bet --

3. OK. What is the correct equation?
Use an operating system and browser combination that is certified or compatible with Blackboard 7.3. Apply any needed workarounds.
Log in to Blackboard 7.3 via the Blackboard Support page:
Access your course(s).

4. STEP 1: Check Your Operating System and Browser
Open your web browser and enter this URL:
You should see the main Blackboard Support page.
Select “Browser Checker” from the menu on the left.

5. Take any needed actions.
Review your results.
Take any needed actions.
A green OK icon means you’re good to go.
A red information icon means you need to take action.
FYI You do NOT need to install the following plug-ins at this time:
Real Player
Shockwave for Director

6. My operating system/browser combination is not certified
My operating system/browser combination is not certified. What should I do?
If you use Windows 7, proceed with caution. Contact the OIT Service Desk if you encounter problems.
If you use Firefox 3, go to the URL below for a workaround:
If you use Internet Explorer 8, go to the URL below for a workaround:

7. STEP 2: Log in to Blackboard
Open your web browser.
Enter this URL:
Add the above URL to Favorites or Bookmark it. You should always access Blackboard via this URL.

8. The Blackboard Support Page
Check for News and Announcements.
Explore the “Student How To” resources.
Click the Bb7 icon.

9. You should see the “Have an Account? Login Here.” page.
Enter your Oak ID in the “Username” box.
Enter your Oak password in the “Password” box.
Click the “Login” button.

10. You should see your “My Ohio” page in Blackboard.
If you don’t see your “My Ohio” page, go to the next slide for help.

11. Having trouble accessing Blackboard?
Did you enter your Oak ID and Oak password correctly?
Your Oak ID uses lowercase letters.
Your Oak password may use lowercase and/or uppercase letters.
Have you activated your Oak ID? If not, go to:
Contact the Ohio University OIT Service Desk at or

12. STEP 3: Access Your Course(s)
Locate the “My Courses” area.
Select the course you wish to access.
If you don’t see your course, go to the next slide for help.

13. If you don’t see your course …
Your instructor may not have made the course available yet. Wait 4-6 hours, then try again. If you still don’t see your course, contact your instructor.
If you recently registered, your enrollment data may not have been loaded into Blackboard yet. Wait 4-6 hours, then try again.
You are not enrolled in the course. You may have enrolled in another course by mistake or something is awry with your registration. Contact your advisor.

14. Here is a sample “home” page for a course.
Read all announcements.
Learn more about the course by selecting the course menu items on the left.

15. Congratulations! You know the equation.
Use an operating system and browser combination that is certified or compatible with Blackboard 7.3. Apply any needed workarounds.
Log in to Blackboard 7.3 via the Blackboard Support page.
Access your course(s). .

16. Welcome to Blackboard!
“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”
Albert Einstein