|
|
|
|
|
Quick Links
|
Documentation from Blackboard View the Blackboard User manual in PDF format here. View a screen reader tutorial for users with disabilities here.
|
System and Browser* Requirements
For PCs, you must be running the Windows 98, ME, 2000 or the XP operating system with IE 6 or Netscape 7 (IE 5.5/Netscape 4.77 will also work with 98, ME, 2000). Macs must be running either: OS 9.2 with IE 5.1 or Netscape 7.0; or OS X with IE 5.2 or Netscape 7.0. Other browsers (including AOL's proprietary browser) will are not currently supported by Blackboard. More information about Blackboard compatibility can be found here.
*Any browser you use to access the Blackboard Collaboration tools (Chat and Virtual Classroom) must be both Java and JavaScript enabled (usually the default). If you do not have Java installed on your system, you may download it from Sun Microsystems.
Logging in to Blackboard
You can access Trinity's Blackboard site from any computer connected to the World Wide Web with a browser by going to the following address: http://blackboard.trincoll.edu. To log in, use your active directory credentials (the same user name and password used to log in to TCOnline).
Animated Tutorials
The Animated Tutorials take you through each step of a specific course-building task. To watch the tutorial now, click on the HTML link. Your browser window should be maximized to fill the screen. You have the option to play, pause, rewind, etc. the tutorial using the buttons on the bottom of the web page. Please note that this requires the use of Flash Player.
Tip Sheets
Tip sheets cover a variety of topics, from best practices advice to quick reference guides for specific tasks. Tip sheets are available in PDF (download Reader), or PDF format. To save the file to your computer, right-click (Windows) or control-click (Mac) the link on the page below and select the appropriate command to save the file.
Using Blackboard 6--An Overview
This tip sheet was designed for students
who have never used Blackboard before.
[PDF - 147 KB]
Using the Discussion Board
Discussion boards are
essentially online bulletin boards that everyone in the BB course or sub-group can read
and reply to. To access a course site discussion board,
select the course site you would like to use from your list of courses, then click on the Discussion Board button
on the left navigation panel.
[HTML]
Sending Files to Your Instructor via Digital Drop Box
In this tutorial, you will learn
how to submit files in a Blackboard Learning System (Release 6) course Web site
using the Digital Drop Box.
[HTML]
Completing and Submitting an Assignment
In this animated tutorial, you will learn
how to complete and submit
an Assignment in a Blackboard Learning System (Release 6) course Web site.
[HTML]
Sending an Email Through Blackboard
Using
Blackboard’s built-in emailing system allows you to send course related emails
without configuring an external mail program with distribution lists
for instructors and/or students.
[HTML]
Gradebook Icons and Definitions
This tip sheet will teach you how to interpret the Gradebook Icons.
[PDF - 147KB]
Tips for Mac Users
Here are a few things to keep in mind when
up or downloading files from the Blackboard system using a Mac.
[HTML]
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is a system that makes it very easy for faculty to use the power of the web to support their classes. It offers an easily accessible method for students to review class materials, participate in on-line discussions and chat sessions, exchange course-related documents, take on-line assessments, view grades, as well as many other features.
Who Can Use Blackboard?
Blackboard can be accessed by any current student and faculty member who has a Trinity College network account (use the same password as you use for TCOnline). However, some faculty may limit access to all or part of their class web site to students enrolled in their class. If you would like staff members or people outside of the College to have access to your site, and they do not have a Blackboard account, please contact your Academic Computing Resource Specialist or email Academic-Computing@trincoll.edu.
How do I change my password?
Since Blackboard now uses your Active Directory credentials--i.e. your TCOnline username and password, changing this password will automatically change your Blackboard password. If you do not remember your password, you must bring your Trinity ID to the Help Desk to have it reset.
How do I add/drop a class?
The new Blackboard system automatically enrolls/removes a user from the course site based on the official enrollment information in PeopleSoft (which you update with TCOnline). Any changes will be reflected within 24 hours.
I don't have PowerPoint/Office/another application on my computer. How can I view the file?
Microsoft Office is available to students free of charge--just ask a Consultant at the Help Desk for assistance. Also, most files can be opened using free software available for download on the internet--but make sure you download the file from a trusted source.
I have a program installed that will view the file but I still can't view it.
Instead of opening the file within the browser, try saving the file to your computer first and then open it.
Why can't I see my grades?
Not all instructors use the gradebook. Check with the instructor first to make sure that there are in fact grades available to view.
Help! I am having problems with my course.
Try contacting your instructor first. If you are still having trouble, contact academic-computing@trincoll.edu by email.
Last Modified: 09/19/2006