Blackboard Basics

October 2015

What is Blackboard?• Blackboard is a software tool that allows individuals to easily

create web sites that support instruction.

• Using Blackboard requires no programming skills

• Blackboard (Bb) basically does two things:1. It provides a place to post instructional materials for students2. It has built-in teaching tools you can use

What can Bb do?• Post your syllabus• Distribute lecture notes,

slides , articles and essays• Link to websites• Provide audio recordings,

photos or videos• Distribute and collect

assignments• Make announcements• Administer tests• Grade tests• Post Grades

• Maintain a grade book• Conduct an online

discussion• Check for plagiarism• Allow students to create

blogs and wikis• Send email to students• Set up groups or teams• Create a class calendar• Collaborate live• Track student progress• Apply grading rubrics ….and

more

Blackboard at Saint Mary’s• To access Bb:– www.smumn.edu– http://Courses.smumn.edu

• A blank Bb “shell” is created for every course offered – The student class roster is automatically loaded.– The Bb website is turned off by default. Students will not

be able to view it unless it is made available by the instructor.

• Bb course websites can be copied

:Blackboard is an effective way to

reach your students

You have learned much harder things

Are you ready to give it a try?

Edtech@smumn.edu