is an additional web resource containing video-based tutorials for Blackboard.
BLACKBOARD Version 6.2.3
FAQ FOR STUDENTS
is an additional web resource containing video-based tutorials for Blackboard. |
BLACKBOARD Version 6.2.3 FAQ FOR STUDENTS |
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To contact the Blackboard Administrator for assistance, please send email to bbadmin@uttyler.edu. |
To search this page click on "Edit" on the menu bar,
Choose "Find (on This Page)" and type in the keyword. Ex: password.
Then, click Find Next to search.
| SECTION LINKS |
| TELECAMPUS VS. BLACKBOARD |
What is the difference between UT Telecampus and Blackboard?
(keyword: telecampus, blackboard)
How do I access UT Telecampus?
(keyword: telecampus)
| LOGIN ISSUES |
What is my username and password for Blackboard?
(keyword: username, password)
If you are a new student at UT Tyler and have never used Blackboard, you should use your First Initial and Last Name (as one word) as your user name and your 8-digit birthday as your password in the format of YYYYMMDD to log on.
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Example: George R. Jetson, Birthdate: January 18, 3078 |
Username: gjetson Password: 30780118 |
For the protection of your identity, NEVER give your password to ANYONE, even the Patriot email or the Blackboard Administrator.
I am a new student, but will not be taking classes until the next semester. I try to log onto Blackboard, but it says that my username and password are incorrect. What do I need to do?
(keyword: new user, new student, username, password)
How do I change my password in Blackboard?
(keyword: password, change password)
To change your password in Blackboard, look for and click on "Personal Information" on the left side of the screen after you log into Blackboard.
Once in "Personal Information", click on "change password".
Various password security experts recommend that you set a password that has "meaning" only for you and/or contains three (3) characters from each of the following groups:
Upper case letters |
(example: PaSWrd$97) |
I forgot my password. What can I do?
(keyword: forget, forgot password, change password)
Go to the UT Tyler home page at www.uttyler.edu. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Blackboard link.
On the next page, click on the LOGIN button for Blackboard.
On the next page, click on "Forgot your password?" (This will be a link just under the Login text boxes.)
On the next page, answer either the top three questions or the bottom three questions.
Your email will be your free UT Tyler student email address. When you have answered either of the set of the questions, click on SUBMIT.
Blackboard will send an email to your free UT Tyler student email address.
You will need to find, open and read that email
I know that I am using the correct User name and Password, but I still can't seem to login. What do I need to do to login?
(keyword: password)
Email the Blackboard administrator at BBADMIN@uttyler.edu
Include your name, student ID#, date of birth (YYYYMMDD), Blackboard username and problem.
| BOOKMARKING BLACKBOARD |
I would like to add Blackboard to my favorites in Internet Explorer. How do I do that?
(keyword: favorites)
Go to the UT Tyler web site (www.uttyler.edu)
Scroll down and select the Blackboard Icon.
When the Blackboard Home Page is visible, right-click anywhere in the page.
A menu will appear. Look in the center for the option "Add to Favorites...".
After selecting this, a text box will appear asking you how you would like to name the new favorite.
The default is usually the actual name of the web page (Blackboard Learning System™ (Release 6)).
Click "OK" to finish.
You should be able to access the Blackboard Home Page via this link (favorite).
When I log into Blackboard, I have to "login" twice before I can access Blackboard. Why?
(keyword: login twice, login, log in)
You are trying access Blackboard 6 through the "Login" page and not the Blackboard Home Page.
Please see the FAQ "I would like to add Blackboard to my favorites in Internet Explorer. How do I do that?"
The Blackboard link on the UT Tyler web page (www.uttyler.edu) will successfully take you through the pages to login correctly.
How Do I make Blackboard a trusted site on my computer for Internet Explorer 7?
(Keyword: trusted site, IE7, ActiveX, test)
Login to the Blackboard web site at http://ccs.uttyler.edu/blackboard
In Internet Explorer 7, click on the button titled tools on the top left side of the window.
Click on the link titled "Internet Options"
A popup will appear on the screen.
Several tabs will be listed on the top of the popup.
Select the tab titled "Security."
Click on the green check mark titled "trusted sties."
A button will appear titled "Sites."
Click on this button, and confirm that the url:http://blackboard.uttyler.edu is listed in the first text box.
Uncheck the box at the bottom of the popup window.
Click on the button titled "add."
Click on the button titled "Close."
| ENROLLMENT |
When I log into Blackboard, I have no courses! Why?
(keyword: courses, no courses, find courses, find)
The Blackboard server does not know what courses you have registered for during UT Tyler registration. At the first of each semester you may have to search and "ENROLL" in any Blackboard courses that are available to you.
How do I enroll in a course on Blackboard?
(keyword: enroll, enter, course, add course, find course)
After you Log In, click on the "Courses" tab at the top of the Blackboard window.
Search for your course’s department in the Course Catalog. Then, search for the course you want to enroll (If it is not there, you will need to let your instructor know that it does not show up.)
When you find your course name, DO NOT CLICK ON THE COURSE NAME.
Look for and click on the "Enroll" button to the right of the course name (If it is not there, you will need to let your instructor know that it does not show up.)
Follow the instructions for enrolling in that Blackboard course.
Use this process to Enroll yourself for each course available to you on Blackboard.
When I try to enroll in a course on Blackboard, it asks for an "Access Code". What is that, and where do I get it?
(keyword: enroll, access code)
The ACCESS CODE is a code that the instructor has placed on the course to ensure that only the student(s) registered for his/her course may enroll. YOU MUST HAVE THIS TO FINISH ENROLLING IN THE DESIRED COURSE.
The instructor should give this code to all students on the first day of class. If not, then the student will need to contact the instructor for the code.
How do I un-enroll in a course?
(keyword: remove, un-enroll, delete, quit, remove course)
Only the instructor of the course can remove a student from Blackboard. Please contact the instructor for assistance.
| FILES AND PRINTING |
Can I upload my picture to Blackboard as part of my profile?
(keyword: picture, upload picture, profile)
Yes. Go to TOOLS, then HOME PAGE.
Here, you can add information for the ROSTER.
Scroll down to the middle of the page, and you should see a text box beside a BROWSE button. Here you can upload a picture.
When you have finished adding information, just scroll to the bottom and click SUBMIT.
To view your profile,
Go to COMMUNICATIONS, click on ROSTER, then click the link for the student's profile you want to view.
Note: When you click on Communications, if you see a message "Folder empty", please notify your instructor.
I can't open a file on Blackboard that I need. What do I need to do?
(keyword: can't open, file)
Blackboard doesn't always open some files, like Power Point slides and Adobe Acrobat files, correctly. The best way to
access a file you can't open is:
1. Right-click on the link. (This will be blue.) You will see a small menu.
2. Select “Save Target As...” from the menu.
3. This will bring up a small window to let you select where you want to save
the file. (This is usually either “My Documents” or “Desktop”.) Choose the
location and Click “SAVE”.
4. Minimize the Blackboard window, and go to where you placed the file. You can
now view the file on your computer.
Note: If you do not have Power Point on your computer, you can purchase
Microsoft Office 2003 from the UT Tyler Bookstore for $20. This will contain
Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Publisher, Access. You can also purchase Microsoft Office XP for $30. This contains a newer version of Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Access.
Also, scroll down to see the free applications available on the web for viewing various file types.
When I try to print a document from Blackboard it does not print what I expect it to. What do I need to do?
(keyword: can't print, file)
Because of framing and other issues, Blackboard doesn't always print the way you might expect it to. The best way to print a document from Blackboard is to:
1. Right-click on the link. (This will be blue.) You will see a small menu.
2. Select “Save Target As...” from the menu.
3. This will bring up a small window to let you select where you want to save
the file. (This is usually either “My Documents” or “Desktop”.) Choose the
location and Click “SAVE”.
4. Minimize the Blackboard window, and go to where you placed the file. Open the file, and print the document.
Note: If you do not have Power Point on your computer, you can purchase
Microsoft Office 2003 from the UT Tyler Bookstore for $20. This will contain
Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Publisher, Access. You can also purchase Microsoft Office XP for $30. This contains a newer version of Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Access.
Also, scroll down to see the free applications available on the web for viewing various file types.
| DIGITAL DROPBOX |
What is Digital Dropbox ?
(keyword: digital dropbox)
Blackboard has a useful feature for sending files called the "Digital Drop
Box."
It is different than using email. Email will limit the attachment size
associated with a message. The Digital Drop Box does not.
The principle of the Digital Drop Box is like that of a bank teller box. One
user "opens a drawer" and puts something in; the other user "opens the drawer"
on their side of the box and retrieves it.
Similarly, a student "loads" a file into his/her drop box and "sends" it to the
instructor's drop box. The instructor can then retrieve the file from his/her
drop box. In turn, the instructor can "load" and "send" a file from his/ her
drop box to a student's drop box for retrieval.
How do I use Digital Dropbox ?
(keyword: use digital dropbox, where is digital dropbox)
After logging into Blackboard and accessing your course, scroll down the menu
buttons on the left-hand side, click on TOOLS.
In TOOLS, you will see the link for the Digital Drop Box.
To add a file to Digital Dropbox:
(keyword: add file, digital dropbox)
Clicking the ADD FILE button allows you to manually add and send the file later.
Type in the title of the file, click BROWSE and choose the file
Type in the comments for the Files (optional)
Once you are done, click submit
If you want to remove a file in the Digital Dropbox, click on the REMOVE next to
the file name.
Click here to see a video version of this instruction in Flash.
To send a file through Digital Dropbox:
(keyword: send file, digital dropbox)
Clicking SEND FILE automatically adds and sends the file through the Digital
Drop Box in one step. You do not have a remove option. Once the file is sent,
the instructor will have it.
Once you are in the Send file area,
Select the file you want to send in the drop down menu or click BROWSE to select
the new file.
Type in the name of the file,
Type in the comments for the Files (optional)
Once you are done, click submit
Click here to see a video version of this instruction in Flash.
How do I clear out my Digital Drop Box?
(keyword: clear, clear drop box)
Once you hit SUBMIT and send a file to the instructor, it is locked until the instructor "releases" it. When released, you will see a REMOVE button to the extreme right side. Click this and the file will be removed.
You may need to contact the instructor if the file persists after the grade is posted.
| BLACKBOARD EMAIL QUESTIONS |
How do I get to the student email home page?
(keyword: student email, Patriot Email, UT Tyler email, email)
Go to the UT Tyler home page at www.uttyler.edu. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the STUDENT EMAIL LINK.
On the next page, read the instructions for Logging into the Patriots email server.
Login using your USERNAME and PASSWORD.
Your “USERNAME” is a combination of your first initial,
and your last name. You can not use apostrophes, accent marks,
underscores, or any type of punctuation except a hyphen. You also can not use Jr., III or other similar endings.
An example of a “USERNAME” might be jsmith@patriots.uttyler.edu
Notice that some usernames include a number. This is a result of two or more users sharing the same first intitial and last name. Do not try and guess the number listed with your name. Instead, use the "Username Lookup" link found on the menu bar of the UT Tyler Patriot Email home page. Simply enter your student ID number and this link will provide you with your username.
If you have difficulty logging into your Patriot email account, please view the "EMAIL FAQ" located on the UT Tyler Patriot Email home page.
How do I share my email address or other contact info to Blackboard users?
(keyword: share contact, email address, personal information)
Once you have logged in, click on PERSONAL INFORMATION and choose SET
PRIVACY OPTIONS
Click the box for EMAIL ADDRESS. (Or any other information you wish to share
here.)
Click on the box for "List my information in the User Directory", if you want to
share your info in the User Directory.
Click SUBMIT.
How do I change my email address listed in Blackboard?
(keyword: change, email address)
The UT Tyler Student Email Policy does not allow you to change your email address in Blackboard to any address except your U.T. at Tyler Patriot email address.
To change your email address listed in Blackboard, email your request to BBADMIN@uttyler.edu along with your student ID#, patriot email username, and Blackboard username.
Please remember that ALL important information from the Registrar's Office, the Admission's Office, The President's Office, Student Business Services, and many other departments are sent to your Patriots student email address.
| CHAT QUESTIONS |
My instructor is going to have chat sessions this semester. What do I do to connect to the chat room?
(chat, chat room, collaboration)
You will need to click the Communication menu button.
(If you click the button and a message shows saying “Folder Empty”, your instructor doesn’t have the Communication Tool activated. You will need to notify your instructor of this.)
| In Communication, you should see several “tools”: | Announcements Collaboration Discussion Board Roster Send Email |
Click on Collaboration. You will see various sessions to join.
(There will be two “default” sessions – Office Hours, and Lecture Hall.) Your instructor will probably have a specific session for you to use.
When you find the appropriate session, click on JOIN at the right.
You should see a Java Chat window pop up. Type text in the text area at the bottom and click SEND.
Use this as you would any other chat or immediate messaging program.
I am trying to connect to the chat session, but I do not get the chat pop-up window? What is wrong?
If you don’t see the window pop up, there are a couple of items you need to check.
1. You may need to allow pop-ups to the Blackboard site.
You can allow pop-ups by clicking on the notification bar at the top of the screen and selecting either “Temporarily Allow Pop-ups”, or “Allow Pop-ups”.
"Temporarily Allow Pop-ups" will permit pop-ups only while the current window is open to the site.
"Allow Pop-ups" basically turns off the Pop-up Blocker.
You can also allow pop-ups by opening a browser window (Internet Explorer), selecting TOOLS at the menu toolbar and then selecting POP-UP BLOCKER. Here you can turn off or change the settings of the Pop-up Blocker.
Turning off the Pop-up Blocker will allow ALL Pop-ups from ANY page.
Changing the settings of the Pop-up Blocker lets you specify sites for allowing pop-ups.
You can set a specific web site as "trusted". This will prevent pop-ups from being blocked only at this site.
To do this, enter an internet address in the text area and click ADD to make it a “trusted site”.
You can also change the filter setting at the bottom.
Setting the filter to “LOW: Allow pop-ups from secure sites” will allow some pop-ups.
2. You may need to install the Java Plug-in.
If you need to install the Java Plug-in, click on the Java Plug-in link on the Blackboard page and follow the directions.
(From the Blackboard page:)
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(To avoid problems, this should be checked well in advance of the time of the Chat Session.)
| DISCUSSION BOARD QUESTIONS |
How do I add a new thread into the Discussion Board ?
(keyword: discussion board, add thread)
Once you are in a course,
Click on the Discussion Board button
Click on the forum title to go into the forum
To read a message, click on its title.
To reply, click on the "REPLY" button
To add a new thread, click on the "Add New Thread" button,
Type in the subject and the message
You also have the option to add an attachment, click Browse to choose a file
from your computer
Click here to see a video version of this instruction in Flash.
When I try to use the discussion board there is no place for me to enter my text?
(keyword: discussion board, add thread, no text box)
To correct this problem, click on "Personal Information" listed in the "Tools" panel on the "Welcome" tab.
Then, click on "Set Text box Editor Options."
Select the option to make the Text box Editor unavailable.
Finish by selecting "Submit."
Note: This will take away the ability to change the font, color, justification, and other similar text changes.
| BLACKBOARD GRADE QUESTIONS |
How do I view my grades ?
(keyword: view grades)
Once you logged in to the course, in the Tools area (on the left), click View Grades.
You will see a list of the courses that you are taking. Click on the appropriate course name.
Click O.K once you're done.
Click here to see a video version of this instruction in Flash.
| SCREEN SHOTS |
I have had trouble with Blackboard and my instructor has asked me to make a screen capture. How do I do this?
(keyword: capture, screen capture)
| BLACKBOARD TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS |
What are the recommended computer requirements to access
Blackboard?
(keyword: computer requirements)
128 MB of RAM.
Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP with the latest critical updates, or Microsoft Vista with the latest critical updates. (note: you will need to turn the text box editor off if you are using Vista as described above.)
Internet Explorer XP 7.0 with the default settings. (note: you will need to turn the text box editor off if you are using Internet Explorer 7.)
Microsoft Office XP and 2003 with the latest critical updates.
In addition, you might need the following software installed:
Adobe Acrobat Reader - download it here for FREE
Macromedia Flash Player - download it here for FREE
Note: If you do not want the Yahoo Tool Bar for your browser, uncheck the box BEFORE you download.
Real Player - download it here for FREE
Note: An "installer" program will download first, then you will be prompted to actually download the player.
Quick Time Player - download the Windows version here for FREE
Note: If you do not want the newsletter subscriptions, uncheck the boxes.
Windows Media Player - download it here for FREE
** Note: You can buy Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office
2003 at the UT Tyler bookstore at an affordable price.
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