Understanding Blackboard better
Blackboard is the Hamline University e-learning management system (course management system). Blackboard can be used to deliver online courses, and web-enhanced (hybrid) courses that combine classroom work with online components.
In Blackboard you can find:
- Course syllabus.
- Faculty contact information.
- Class schedule.
- Class assignments.
- Weekly announcements: updates and reminders of class activities.
- Handouts, links to online resources, and other course documents.
- Rules and Procedures.
- And more.
You might be required to use a Blackboard course web site for:
- maintaining a discussion with the professor and classmates outside the classroom;
- sending e-mail to the instructor and classmates;
- downloading handouts, case studies, and other course materials;
- watching videos and rich-media instructional presentations online;
- communicating and exchanging files with classmates in your project group;
- completing, reporting, and sharing results of online activities; and/or
- submitting your assignments to the professor online.
System and Software requirements for Blackboard
To access Blackboard you need a Windows 98 PC or above (or Macintosh computer OS9 or above) with Internet connection (minimum 56K modem) and a Web Browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
NOTE: The latest of Netscape may be downloaded from the Netscape Download Center (http://browser.netscape.com ), and the Internet Explorer from the Internet Explorer Download site (http://www.microsoft.com – select Downloads > Internet from the left-hand menu.
NOTE: Javascripts and cookies must be enabled within the web browser. (Check the Help files within your browser for directions on how to configure this.)
To do your assignments you will need standard word-processing software (like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Works, or Corel WordPerfect).
You may also need other software (plug-ins) to view course content or to work on projects on the Blackboard course web sites. These include: Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) or viewers, Adobe® Reader®, and Microsoft Windows Media Player.
NOTE: Computers with these features are available for use by students at Hamline University public computer labs.
Need more help? Please contact the Help Desk by email or by phone at 651-523.2220
