How do I access Blackboard?

In order to access Blackboard you must first open your browser and go to http://www.iona.edu. Go to Quick Links on the upper right and click on Blackboard. At the Blackboard home page, log in with your network ID?Password. You can also access Blackboard directly by going to http://online.iona.edu/.

Browser and Operating System compatibility issues:

The AOL browser has compatibility issues with Blackboard. If you use AOL (or another internet service that provides a customized browser), you should install Firefox or IE, minimize your AOL or other ISP application after connection, and then use Firefox or IE for Blackboard.

Some versions of Firefox and IE are not certified as completely compatible with Blackboard. However, your browser version may be compatible, even if not certified. Please consult the following document on the CELTIC web: Blackboard Certified Operating System and Browser Configurations if you encounter problems using Blackboard.

What is my Blackboard username and password?

Your Username and Password for Blackboard is the same as your Network/Email ID. *** Passwords are case sensitive ***

Change/Forgot your password in Netpass »

I’ve accessed Blackboard but I don’t see my class listed under My Courses.

It is possible that you are not enrolled as a user in the Blackboard class, or that your Instructor has not made the course site available yet. Contact your Instructor.

My Instructor posted an document. How do I access it?

There are several content areas where the document could be posted, such as Course Content or About the Course.In addition, Content area buttons could have a name created by the Instructor.

Click on the content areas, such as Course Content, and then find the folder or document you wish to open.

NOTE: When you open a document on Blackboard and save it to your computer, you can make changes to the document. This, however, will not change the saved and posted version of the document on Blackboard.

My Instructor said I need to submit my paper as an Assignment or to Turnitin in Blackboard. Where do I submit it?

Assignment
You must submit your paper to an Assignment created by your Instructor. The Assignment anywhere in your course, for example in Course Content. It will likely be named with the title of your assignment. Look for the icon to the left. Help Video »

Turnitin Assignment
Your Instructor may also require you to submit a paper to Turnitin. Turnitin is also available in your Blackboard course. The Assignment anywhere in your course, for example in Course Content. It will likely be named with the title of your assignment. Look for the icon to the left.

Please note: Your instructor may have also posted the assignment outside of Blackboard on www.turnitin.com. in this case, you must use this website, create an account, and use the join ID and a password from your professor.

My Instructor created a test in Blackboard. Where is it?

Your Instructor can place a test anywhere in your course, for example in Course Content. Look for the icon to the left. Help Video »

Best Practices for students when taking online exams in Blackboard.

1. Do not have multiple browser windows or tabs open when taking the exam.
2. Do not browse away from the exam once you have opened it.
3. Unless it is necessary for test taking, close all other applications when taking the exam.
4. Click "Save" on each question answered.
5. Do NOT click buttons, like Save or Next, multiple times before the desired action takes place.
6. Do not allow the computer to go to screensaver, sleep, or standby when taking the exam.
7. Know the "time out" period for your computer, and move the mouse or the use the keyboard to avoid exceeding that time limit.
8. Be absolutely sure to click "Submit" when you are finished with the exam.

My Instructor is setting up a Discussion Forum for class discussion. How do I participate?

Click on the Discussion link on the course menu. NOTE: Discussion Board is also in the Tools area. Click the Forum you need and view the contents within. You may also be able to create a New Forum. To participate in an existing discussion, click on the last post and select Reply. You can now type or copy and paste text into the text box and click on the Submit button to post your response. Help Video »

I don’t see some of the options such as Tools or Discussions. What should I do?

If you do not see an option, such as Tools or Discussions, it means that the Instructor has not enabled these features. It is up to the Instructor to determine which features and functions are available in the course site. Contact your Instructor if you do not have access to a content area, tool or communication area that you need.

How do I use a Blog or Journal?

You instructor may enable blogs and journals, tool for expressing thoughts and reflecting on learning, either with the instructor (journals) or with others in the course (blogs). Blogs and journals in Blackboard can never be made available outside of the course.

The link to a blog or journal can be placed anywhere in your Blackboard course site, so you must ask your instructor where the link is to write an entry. Look for the images to the left, in your Blackboard site, to find the blog or journal. If your instructor allows has a Tools link in the Course Menu, you also may be able to find blogs and journals there.

VIdeo: How to Create a Blog Entry
Video: How to Comment on a Blog

How do I upload my Avatar or Photo?

Your instructor may ask you to upload an image of yourself that will display in your blog or journal. You should resize the image in the range of 150x150 pixels before you upload the image. Blackboard may distort the image if not cropped before uploading. Once you image has been resized, log into Blackboard:

• Click the My Places link at the very top of the screen
• Click Personal Information
• Click Personalize My Places
• Select "Use custom avatar image"
• Click Attach File/Browse My Computer to upload your photo, and Submit.

I cannot open a Document, or when I open a document the content is unreadable. What should I do?

You may be trying to open the file with the wrong program. Check the file type, if it is a PDF Document, for example, you cannot open it using MS Word. Check your computer to see if you have Adobe Acrobat. If you do not, you can download it for free at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html. After successfully downloading Adobe, follow instructions to install it. After installation, you will be able to open the .pdf document. Other document types which might need a viewer installed include .avi .jpg .mov .mp1 .mp3 .swf and others….

Is there Help within Blackboard?

Yes, there is Help under Tools. Select Tools and then Student Manual. The online manual provides a searchable help database for users. Scroll down to the section that you need help in, click on the topic, and a window pops up with a detailed Overview of your help topic.