Blackboard is the Hamline University course management system (e-learning software platform). You may use Blackboard in the courses you take at Hamline University.
Your course instructor(s) may use Blackboard to post: course syllabus, faculty contact information, class schedule, class assignments, weekly announcements, class rules and procedures.
Your course instructor(s) may require you to use Blackboard to: maintain class discussion, send group email, download handouts, submit assignments, etc.
Your course instructor(s) will inform you on your first day of class if he/she requires the Blackboard application as part of class.
Hardware/Software Requirements for Using Blackboard
To access Blackboard you need a Microsoft® Windows® 98 PC or above (or Macintosh computer OS 10.2 or above) with Internet connection (minimum 56K modem) and a Web Browser such as Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, Netscape®, Mozilla® Firefox®, and Apple® Safari®. Download the latest version of a Web Browser>
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NEW! Internet Explorer 7, Windows Vista, & Blackboard Compatibility Issues
Currently, there are some compatibility issues between our current version of Blackboard and Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) in Windows Vista computers. Similar issues can also be experienced when accessing Blackboard with IE7 in Windows XP computers. If you recently upgraded or are planning to upgrade to IE7 and/or Windows Vista, you may need to change some settings in your computer before you use the Hamline University Blackboard system.
More Information: Troubleshooting Compatibility Issues (PDF file) |
NOTE: JavaScript and cookies must be enabled within the web browser. (Check the Help files within your web browser for directions on how to configure this.)
To work on 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 Blackboard course web sites. These include: Microsoft® Office applications (Word, PowerPoint®, and Excel®) or viewers, Adobe® Reader®, and Microsoft® Windows Media® Player. (Download free software plug-ins)
NOTE: Computers with these features and software are available for students to use at Hamline University public computer labs. (More Information on Computer Labs on Campus)
How to Look Up Your Blackboard Login Information
To access Blackboard you need a username and password. The first time you log into Blackboard, your username and password information is available in the Piperline Secure Area. (More Information on the Piperline System)
Follow these steps to look up your Blackboard username and password:
- Go to the Piperline Secure Area.
- Log in using your Hamline ID Number (or Social Security Number) and Piperline PIN. (More Information on the Piperline PIN)
- Click on Personal Information.
- Click on View Hamline Computer Accounts.
- Last, click on Blackboard.
The page will display your Blackboard username and your initial password.
Accessing Blackboard
You can access Blackboard using a Web browser at http://hamline.blackboard.com. (You may also access Blackboard from the Logins page at http://wwww.hamline.edu/logins.) This is the Blackboard Gateway page for Hamline University. Click on the Login button, and the Blackboard Entry (Login) page will be displayed. Log in using your Blackboard username and password.
NOTE: If you are using AOL®, MSN®, or any other service that uses its own web browser to connect to the Internet, you should access Blackboard by using Microsoft® Internet Explorer®, Netscape®, Mozilla® Firefox®, or Apple® Safari®. Connect to the Internet as usual. Once connected, minimize the connection window and open a web browser session for Blackboard.
Using Blackboard
Detailed information on how to use Blackboard can be found in the Comprehensive Blackboard Instruction Guide (PDF file).
You may need to download specific free software to access content and complete assignments posted on Blackboard.
Need Help Using Blackboard?
Check the Knowledge Base.
If you have problems logging into Blackboard or need additional help, contact the Software Support Services (SSS) team by phone at 651-523-2782 or e-mail (Send E-mail to the SSS team).
Using the Blackboard Course Management System
