Blackboard Student FAQ
When do I get added into the Bb course?
Students are entered into the "Welcome to Blackboard" course five(5) business days prior to the start of the semester. Students are entered into scheduled courses one (1) business day prior to the start of the semester.
NOTED EXCEPTIONS and EXPLANATIONS:
Creating Blackboard user accounts takes approximately 24 business hours from the time of registration. Students that register for a course on the last day of open enrollment may not have a Bb account available on the first day of a course.
[Back to Top]What happens during drop/add week? How do I get into Bb?
During the week of drop/add course enrollment, updates are run at the end of each day. If you can not log-in using your username and password, contact the instructor. The instructor can see if you are enrolled in the course. If you are not, the instructor should contact the Blackboard Administrator.
[Back to Top]Who has access to Blackboard?
Blackboard @ MU is available to all Millersville University faculty and students.
[Back to Top]What web browser should I use?
Blackboard functions in Netscape Navigator/Communicator 4+ and Microsoft Internet Explorer 4+web browsers.
NOTE:
Due to some current inconsistencies with Blackboard and Netscape Navigator 6 it is recommended that Macintosh Netscape versions beyond 4.8 not be used.
[Back to Top]What types of files can be uploaded?
Some of the files formWMS that can be used with Blackboard are:
- HTML
- MS Word for MAC or PC
- MS Excel for MAC or PC
- MS Power Point for MAC or PC
- Acrobat PDF
- QuickTime Movies
- AIFF Audio Files
You CAN NOT use these file types in Blackboard:
- Appleworks/Claris Works
[Back to Top]Where are my files stored when I uploaded them to Blackboard?
When files are uploaded into Blackboard they are stored on the MU Blackboard server. Note: Even though the files are stored on an MU server it is a good idea to keep the original copy.
[Back to Top]File Extensions... Do I need to add them... What are some?
Yes, you will need FILE EXTENSIONS to show if you are using an Apple computer. Below are some standard document files and the FILE EXTENSION that should be added to the end of the document.
- HTML = home.HTML
- MS Word = syllabus.DOC
- MS Excel = myspreadsheet.XLS
- MS Power Point = PowerPointPresentation.PPT
- Acrobat PDF = Printed_As_Acrobat.PDF
- QuickTime Movies = my_Quick_time.MOV
- AIFF Audio Files = my_audio_file.AIF
Here
are some additional
FILE EXTENSIONS
| Extension |
File Type |
Associated Programs |
| .aif |
Audio |
Audio program |
| .au |
Audio |
Real Audio Player |
| .gif |
Image |
Graphics program or web browser |
| .html, .htm |
Web Page |
HTML editor or web browser |
| .jpg, .jpeg |
Image |
Graphics program or web browser |
| .mov |
Video |
Movie or Media Player |
| |
Text |
Adobe Acrobat |
| .ppt |
Slide Show |
PowerPoint & PowerPoint Player |
| .qt, .mov |
Movie |
Quick Time |
| .swf |
Multimedia |
Shockwave Plug-in |
| .tiff |
Image |
Graphics program or web browser |
| .txt |
Text |
simple text word processor |
| .wav |
Audio |
Audio program |
| .xls |
Spreadsheet |
Excel |
[Back to Top]What is a FILE EXTENSION and how do I add it?
The FILE EXTENSION is a period followed by a 3 letter code added to the end of a file's name. This 3 letter code tells the computer what type of file it is. For example a word file would appear as: sylab.DOC the.DOC is the extension. It is important that nothing is typed after the file extension because it will be treated as part of the file extension and may prevent the file from being recognized by the computer.
[Back to Top]Is my Blackboard password Case Sensitive?
Yes! Passwords for students and faculty are Case Sensitive in Blackboard. That means, UPPER CASE letters are different than lower case letters.
[Back to Top]Who can help me with my Blackboard username and password?
The Blackboard system has a "Forgot your password?" option, but the student or faculty memeber MUST have set-up the personal information correctly at the beginning for this feature to function.
Other questions regarding Blackboard usernames and passwords should be directed to the Bb Support Center. Include your complete name, email address, and the name of a Blackboard course in which you are currently enrolled.
NOTE: They will not be able to tell you your password. They can only reset it to default.
[Back to Top]What if I forget my Blackboard password?
Our current version of Blackboard has a link on the Login page "Forgot your password?" which will connect you to a webpage that will allow you to request a new password. With your submitted request for a new password, you will receive an email message (at the email address you entered in your personal info) with a special access link to a webpage that will allow you to enter a new password.
[Back to Top]Should I change my Blackboard password for each course?
No, once you change your Blackboard password that new password is used in all Blackboard courses.
[Back to Top]If access is denied, what else can I try?
1) Restart your web browser, and enter your password again. Remember, Blackboard passwords are case sensitive; that is, UPPER CASE letters are different than lower case letters.
2) Check if you are using your current password. Remember, when you change your Blackboard password it will be changed for every Blackboard course.
[Back to Top]Why won't Virtual Classroom load?
1) Pop-up blockers will block the launch window for Virtual Classroom. Disable your pop-up blocker and try again.
2) Install Java. A download link is provided on the Virtual Classroom page.
3) Virtual Classroom does not operate using Netscape Navigator on a Mac OS.
4) Mac OS 8 and 9 users are only able to access the Chat feature.
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