Congratulations for taking the time to learn about the Blackboard Learning System! Blackboard can best be described as a course management system incorporated into all Section B (blended), Section C (classroom support), and Section D (100% online) courses at SFCC.
This Help Page is divided into four sections:
- The Blackboard tool set
- Overview videos (Flash player required)
- Demonstrations (Flash player required)
- Detailed help pages
Use the this diagram to determine which sections may be most appropriate for you. Click on your choice of assistance to move there.
Blackboard has a variety of tools that are used to create an online learning environment that closely mirrors a regular classroom environment. There are three types of Blackboard tools: Course Content Tools, Communication Tools, and Evaluation Tools. Click here to view and download a printable PDF explaining the tools and their use.
Course Content tools are used to deliver course material, such as the course syllabus, online lectures, and relevant web links to relevant course sites. Some of the Course Content tools include:
Course Content/Home Page,
Learning Modules,
Web Links
Communication tools allow you to communicate with your classmates and instructor. Some communication tools are used to facilitate class discussions while others are used to allow for more private communication. Some of the Communication tools include:
Announcements,
Calendar,
Discussions,
Chat,
Mail,
Who's Online
Evaluation tools are used to help you gain a better understanding or test your knowledge of the course material. My Grades allows you to track your grades throughout the semester. The evaluation tools include:
Assignments,
Assessments,
My Grades
Maybe you heard of them . . . Breadcrumbs. Named after leaving bread crumbs along your trail so you can find your way back, breadcrumbs is a quick way to know your location whenever you forget, or want to return to a previous screen. Find the breadcrumbs at the top left of your main Blackboard window. Here's an example:
Refer to the links below for more information.
If you encounter questions while using Blackboard, you can access the online help by clicking the Help link. The link appears in the top right-hand frame of every page.
View these 3 to 5 minute videos to learn to use the Blackboard tools. Videos can be toggled to full screen for easier viewing. Each video opens into a new window or tab. Close the window or tab to return to this screen. Text versions are PDF.
Watch these demonstrations of the Blackboard tools being used. Each open into a new window.
Pagination in Blackboard (setup how many entries show up on a single page)
Viewable and printable pages produced by Blackboard's creator. Each opens into a new window. Just close that window to return here.
Course Content (your Home Page)
Course Tools and Breadcrumbs
Common Blackboard Tools
Discussions in Blackboard
About Discussions
Discussion Topics and Threads
Navigating the Discussions Screen
Navigating the Messages Screen
Assignments
About Assignments
Assignment Types
Assignment Collaboration Options
Navigating Assignments
Completing and Submitting Assignments
Assessments (Quizzes, Tests, Surveys, Self-Tests)
About Assessments
Navigating Assessments
Taking Assessments
Viewing Assessment Results and Statistics
Using Mail in Blackboard
About Mail
Navigating Mail
Using Chat in Blackboard
About Chat
Navigating Chat
