How do I access BlackBoard?

In order to access BlackBoard you must first open Internet Explorer (recommended) or other web 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, click on the Log In button to access the log in screen. **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 7.2. 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.

Note: If a student or faculty member cannot access Blackboard through the Iona Web Site or through the web address, a call should be made to the Help Desk. The server may be down, or there may be another problem.

What is my BlackBoard username and password?

Your BlackBoard Username and Password were sent to you in a letter containing your Network and PeopleSoft passwords. Your Username for BlackBoard is the same as your Network ID. For example, for freshmen who were registered by June 24, 2007 and after, your Network ID will be the first letter of your first name, followed by your last name, and a 1-digit number i.e. jdoe1.

Just remember your BB password is the same as your network (or email) password.

*** Passwords are case sensitive ***

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.

Note: If possible, the Help Desk should call a Blackboard Administrator to see if the course site has been established. If one can’t be reached, the student should be encouraged to notify the Instructor that he or she cannot access the course site. The Instructor will be able to enroll the student, or activate the course site.

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

There are several content areas where the assignment could be posted, such as Assignments, Course Documents,and Course Information.In addition, Content area buttons could have a name created by the Instructor.

Click on the content areas, such as Course Documents, and then find the folder or document you wish to open. A window will then pop up asking whether you want to Open, Save, Cancel, or request More Info. Selecting Open will open the document on your BlackBoard page. Saving the document will allow you to save the file onto your computer to access another time. Selecting Cancel will close the window and More Info will open a Help file explaining the downloading process.

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

Click on the Discussion Board button on the course menu. NOTE: Sometimes Discussion Board is in the Communications section. Click the Forum you need and view the contents within. 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.

My Instructor requested that I use the Digital Drop Box to send in a paper. How do I use the Digital Drop Box?

In order to use the Digital Drop Box, you must first select the User Tools button, sometimes named Student Tools, sometimes named Tools. If the Instructor has enabled Drop Box, select the Send File option. Select Browse and locate the file you wish to send. Select Send on the menu and then click OK. The file will be sent with date/time information. NOTE: The date/time information is according to the BlackBoard Server NOT the date/time of the computer you are using.

***When Users of Blackboard upload a file with a # (or other special characters:!@%&*) in its name into the Digital Dropbox or Group File Exchange they will receive a 404 error message stating that the file is not available. Students and Instructors are instructed not to upload files with # or other special characters in the filename - these characters are not supported in the Digital Dropbox.***

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

If you do not see several options, such as User Tools or Communications, 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 communications area that you need.

I cannot open a Posted 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 a Help program within BlackBoard?

Yes, there is a Help program under User Tools. Select User 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.

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