Framingham State College Student Guide to Blackboard

Table of Contents

1. Welcome!
2. About the Guide
3. Getting Started with Blackboard
4. Blackboard Learning Environment
   1. My Home Page
   2. Navigation Tabs
   3. Content and Layout Buttons
   4. My Courses/My Organizations Boxes
   5. My Home Tools Box
5. Blackboard Features and Functionality
6. Blackboard Course Environment
7. Collaborative Learning Tools
8. Student (Course) Tools
9. Blackboard Upgrade QuikFAQs(c)
10. Student Strategies for Success
11. Technology Requirements
12. Resource Information
13. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Blackboard Learning Environment

Blackboard is used at Framingham State College to compliment and supplement our web-based course offerings. All online, hybrid, and web-enhanced courses are hosted by Blackboard on a dedicated server, accessible from any internet ready computer - PC or MAC - at any time, and from anywhere.

In January 2005, Framingham State College (FSC) made a major investment in its academic technology learning environment with the purchase of Blackboard's Academic SuiteTM. The suite is comprised of the three separate but integrated applications listed below. Most users on campus know the system as simply, Blackboard.

Blackboard Learning System
Framingham State College purchased Blackboard as its LMS in 2000. It is widely used by faculty, students, and staff to share information and course materials, to engage students in critical thinking, and also serves as the classroom environment for all online education.

Blackboard Content System
Content sharing, Virtual Hard Drive space, e-Portfolio tools, e-Reserves, and a Learning Object catalogue complete the Content System tool set. Every full time student entering Framingham State College is provided with an e-Portfolio template which may be used to showcase their 4 year experience. All students may use these tools to promote the work completed during their educational experience at Framingham State College.

Community System
The Blackboard Community System is used to connect diverse segments of the college community with course information, library databases, and college resources. Based on "roles", the system delivers specific information based on a person's use of the Blackboard LMS. The Community System role feature is used to provide students with a personal connection to the Framingham State College learning environment.

Together, these products provide FSC with an internet accessible educational environment that promotes teaching and learning, file-sharing, and community building.