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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. If I experience a problem with Blackboard, how do I get help?
A. Blackboard Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online by calling our toll free support line 1-866-361-8970. To access Blackboard support tools, chat with a technician or report a technical problem visit our Blackboard Online Resource Center.

Q. Is there TTY Access for Blackboard support?
A. Our Blackboard Support TTY (Teletypewriter) Access Number is 703-464-0515.

Q: What is Blackboard?
A: Blackboard is the Learning Management System used at Framingham State College to compliment and supplement our web-based course offerings. All Web-based and Web-enhanced courses are hosted by Blackboard on a dedicated server. Students who use Blackboard find that it is easy use and easily accessed anywhere, any time there is an internet connection.

Q. How do I access my Blackboard class?
A. All Students who registered for courses at Framingham State College are automatically enrolled in their Blackboard course site. A letter is mailed to students with their assigned username and password before the start of the semester. If you are taking an online course login information is also emailed. To become familiar with Blackboard view the student tutorial online.

Q. My course is not listed in Blackboard, now what do I do?
A. If you are taking an online class your welcome e-mail is your confirmation that you are enrolled in the Blackboard course site. If the semester did not start it is most likely that your professor has not made the site available. To confirm your registration you may call our 24/7 Blackboard support line at 1.866.361.8970 or send an e-mail to atde@frc.mass.edu.

Q. I forgot my password. Now what do I do?
A. From the login page click "Forgot your password." An e-mail will be sent to you with new password information. Still having problems? Please call our 24/7 Blackboard support line at 1.866.361.8970 for assistance or stop by our office in Hemenway Hall G09.

Q. My E-mail changed. How do I update my address in Blackboard?
A. Use the Personal Information in the Tools Box of your Blackboard Home Page to update your e-mail, change your password or set Privacy Options.

Q. What computer skills are needed to use Blackboard?
A. Blackboard suggests that users possess these basic skills.

  • Know how to use an Internet browser such as Internet Explorer, Netscape or Firefox
  • Know how to download and install browser plug-ins (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader).
  • Manage files on your computer including creating and naming folders, saving and opening files and deleting files and folders.
  • Understand how to attach files to emails.

Q. What is it like to take a course online?
A. Online courses are exactly the same as their in-class counterparts except for the method of delivery. Most online classes do not "meet" on a scheduled day and time although some instructors do schedule online sessions as needed. Our online courses are designed to meet the same accreditation standards as in-class courses.

Q. What skills are needed to succeed in an online class?
A. Although it is not necessary to know how to use Blackboard you should have basic computer skills. If you know how to navigate a web site, can use a drop down menu, browse for a file on your computer, have used a word processor like Microsoft Word, and are able to send an email with an attachment, then you have the technical skills needed to take an online course. Click here to learn more.

Q. How do I learn more about online classes?
A. Contact ATDE at 508 626-4688 and speak with the Director of Distance Education. Attend the orientation session planned for the start of each semester. You are also encouraged to contact DGCE at 508 626-4550 and speak with an advisor.

Q. Where do I find a listing of courses offered online?
 A. Each semester a list of courses is posted on the DGCE web site. For more information contact the DGCE office at 508 626-4550 or call ATDE at 508 626-4927.