Assumption College Blackboard Support

Blackboard server address: http://blackboard.assumption.edu

Accounts

All undergraduate and graduate students have accounts automatically created for them when they first enroll.

All incoming undergraduate students receive their account information during Summer Orientation. The Graduate Office mails account information to each student via U.S. Mail.

Continuing Education students receive Blackboard accounts on an as needed basis. If your instructor is using Blackboard you will receive account information during your second class session.

Account information is provided to all distance education students before the start of the course. In the event of late registration, account information is sent provided as soon as the student's registration is processed.

Computer Requirements

To access Blackboard and the materials and tools included in the system you must have access to a reasonably recent computer with a web browser and an Internet connection. The ResNet page lists our minimum system configurations for resident students. These specifications are those that we recomend to off campus students as well. It is important that you keep the operating system of your computer up-to-date with patches and updates from the operating system vendor. In addition, you should install and update an antivirus program. Assumption College has a site license for McAfee antivirus that includes student computers. Finally, we strongly recommend the use of antispyware software. Both Adaware and Spybot Search and Destroy have free licences for personal use. The IT HUB can provide additional information regarding computer requirements and and recommended maintenance.

Blackboard Documentation

Tutorial on using Blackboard: This tutorial covers the basics of using Blackboard in your online course. (MS PowerPoint (3.2 MB file) | Acrobat pdf (3.1 MB file) | Standalone player (3,2 MB file))

The login instructions page provides instructions on how to login to Blackboard as well as links to resources that can assist you in resolving many software related problems that may prevent logging into the site.

The Browser tips page provides information on the optimal browser settings to use with Blackboard as well as suggestions on downloading content.

The student documentation page has links to documents describing the use of Blackboard. This page contains the documentation we hand out to students during Blackboard orientation sessions as well as additional documentation we prepare in response to specific requests.

Additional Student Support Services

In additon to online resources, we provide walk-in support for students in the evenings at our HelpDesk in the Information Technology Center. Student assistants can walk you through the process of logging into Blackboard and assist you with the use of the Blackboard tools.

Browser Plugins: Many instructors use media that requires browser plugins. This page lists the various plugins and where to get them.

Support for Distance Education Students

Where can I get technical help if I have computer problems?

Assumption College can not provide support for computer problems for distance education students. You will need to arrange for support locally. You can find local support providers through your computer retailer. Alternatively, you may find friends or family members that can provide troubleshooting and repair assistance.

Your Internet Service Provider will provide support for your Internet connection. Most providers have an 800 number for 24 hour support.

Where can I find help using required applications?

There are a variety of sources for training and assistance for software use. Microsoft provides an extensive help system in its products. Selecting one of several help options from the Help menu in a Microsoft product opens the help system from which you can search or browse for assistance. High quality online training is available, for a fee, at Lynda Learning (http://www.lynda.com) on a variety of software products ranging from Microsoft Office products to Macromedia Dreamweaver to Adobe Photoshop. Additional sources for training to investigate include adult education programs through your local school system and courses at local colleges.

We provide tutorials and instructions on using Blackboard, our course management system. See links above for those resources. In addition, Blackboard assistance is available to enrolled students most business days, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, by calling the IT HUB at 508-767-7060 or e-mailing helpdesk@assumption.edu.

Modified: 12 August 2008
Copyright 2004, Assumption College Information Technology