Getting Started with Blackboard

 

The Blackboard system is relatively intuitive, but if you have difficulties or need a quick tutorial, come see me.  To get you started, I’m providing you with brief instructions on accessing the system and posting messages.

 

Accessing the Blackboard System

  1. Using any Internet connection, go to my web site (http://spectrum.troy.edu/~robertson), click the “Blackboard” link on the navigation menu, and then click the “Access Blackboard” link.

OR

Go to http://troy.blackboard.com. 

OR 

Go to the Troy U main page (http://www.troy.edu), and click the “Blackboard” link.

  1. Under “Username,” enter your Web Express ID.
  2. Under “Password,” enter the last four digits of your social security number (or, if you’ve accessed the system previously and have changed your password, enter the newer password).
  3. Click the “Login” button.
  4. The next screen should be a welcome screen with several sections, one of which should be “My Courses in Blackboard.”  You should have a listing for this course in that section along with any other of your courses that have Blackboard segments.  For example, one of my Composition I courses in the fall semester of 2004 has this listing:  “T01-ENG1101OO-04FA:  Composition I-START (Robertson) 04FA.”  Click the link for your class.
  5. You’ll be taken to the class announcements page.  Take a look at what I’ve posted there, and use the links in the left-hand frame to navigate.
  6. After looking through the course materials, reading other students’ e-discussion postings, and posting your own message to the system, don’t forget to click the “Logout” icon at the top of the screen to end your session.

 

Posting a Message to the Discussion Board

  1. Login to Blackboard as described above.
  2. Click the “Discussion Board” link in the left-hand frame.
  3. Click “Class E-Discussion.”
  4. Click on the title of my posting. 
  5. Read my welcome message, and then read any messages other students have posted. 
  6. While reading any message, click “Reply” at the bottom of the page to post your own response.

OR

Click “Add New Thread” at the top of the list of messages.

  1. Type your own message in the “Message” box, and then click “Submit” at the bottom of the page.
  2. Double-check to make sure your posting appears along with the others for the course.  If your message doesn’t appear there, you won’t get credit for it.
  3. You’re finished!  Don’t forget to click the “Logout” icon at the top of the page to end your session.