Blackboard Basics
After you have logged in to Blackboard and clicked on your Course Name, you will be taken to the course site. The first thing you will see are the announcements. Be sure to read them carefully so you can stay up-to-date in your course.
On the left side of the screen are your navigation buttons. These buttons will differ from course to course, but in general you will find the following buttons listed in your navigation panel:
Course Information/Syllabus
Use the Course Information button to access the course syllabus, attendance and testing policies, course guidelines and any other administrative information about your course.
Course Documents/Course Materials/Homework/Lecture
The Course Documents (may also use the other names listed above) button links you to the area that holds handouts, lecture materials and related readings. These are usually organized in folders, labeled by chapter or by week. To access the documents, click on the appropriate folder for each lesson.
Assignments
Some courses may use the assignments buttons. This is where you would go to find your course work and assignments. Instructors also post Assignments here where you can submit your work.
Communication
The Communication tools are EXTREMELY important in your course since it's how you stay in touch with your instructor and your classmates and participate in the course. This site includes the Discussion Board, chat, email and student and group web page functions. Remember to log on to your course site everyday to check announcements and to visit the Discussion Board.
NOTE: The Discussion Board may have its own button. This is up to the instructor in each course.
Tools/Student Tools
This area holds the tools needed to check your grades, view a course calendar, manage your homepage and edit your profile.
Edit Your Homepage
Template for students to quickly and easily create and post a personal course web page.
Course Calendar
Note your own important events, such as test and due dates. Instructor may also post course events to the calendar.
Check Grade
Online grade book. Not all courses may use this option. Check with your instructor.
Manual
On line user manual for Blackboard.
Tasks
The tasks page organizes projects, defines task priority and tracks task status. Each user can post personal tasks to their page, plus instructors can post tasks for students.
Address Book
Keep a contacts list for your course.
And now, because it's such an integral part of your course, let's learn about the Discussion Board....
