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Technology Tips

Become familiar with the technology requirements for your course. Some professors require that you use specific word processing applications like Microsoft Word or that you have access to applications like Microsoft PowerPoint or Excel. Other professors use real time collaboration tools like Instant Messaging, Skype or Elluminate and may require you to purchase a microphone. Review your course information to become familiar with the tools your professor plans to use. If you need additional assistance, contact the Blackboard 24/7 support line at 1.866.361.8970.

Note: For more specific information visit the Blackboard Online Support Center and review the information in the Knowledge Base.

Access to a computer is required. An internet-ready computer (PC or Mac) with high-end capacity in terms of speed and RAM is needed to access Blackboard course material. When working at home, most faculty and students find that a 56K modem provides acceptable Internet access but cable or DSL will work faster.

Blackboard Real Time Collaboration Tools are used in some online classes. A Java Applet must be installed before you launch the enhanced collaboration real time chat tools in Blackboard. You will find the application link the first time you launch Blackboard's real time collaboration tools.

Note: Pop-up blockers and other versions of Java will interfere with this process. If you need assistance contact the 24/7 Blackboard support line at 1.866.361.8970 or ATDE at 508.626.4927 for support.

If using a Macintosh computer it is important that you are running OS X. Older Mac operating systems do not work well with Blackboard's online collaboration tools.

To review how to use the Blackboard Collaboration Real Time Chat tool click the line below. Although the tutorial was created for an earlier version of Blackboard, the principles still apply. http://www.presidiumlearning.com/pres_tutorials/Bb6_Using_LW_Chat_viewlet_swf.html

Know what other tools or applications are required. In some courses, students will need to install Windows Media Player to take advantage of online streaming video tutorials and course materials, or may need to download Adobe Acrobat to view readings from the web. These applications are available for free at the web sites listed below. If additional tools, like SKYPE, PowerPoint or Excel, are needed to complete an assignment, instructors will provide the necessary information from within their Blackboard course sites.