RESOURCES

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Blackboard Resources for Instructors

Blackboard is a course management system that allows instructors to put course content on the web in a password protected environment without having to know how to create and maintain a web site.

Instructor Quick Start Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
Usage Questions
Setup Questions

General Questions

When is Blackboard available?

Blackboard is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except for a one-hour maintainence period between 12:15 and 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday mornings.

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Why can't I access my course?

You will automatically have access to your course in Blackboard within 24 hours of being set as the instructor of record for the course In Norse Express. If the instructor for your course is still listed as "Staff," your department needs to assign the course to you in Norse Express (SIS).

If your department is not able to set you as the instructor, there may be a problem with your NKU account that needs to be resolved with IT and HR. Contact the IT Help Desk at x6911 and tell them you are teaching a class but you do not appear in SIS.

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Why can't my students see my course?

All new Blackboard course shells will be initially set as “unavailable” to student access. To make a course “available”, click Settings on the Instructor’s Control Panel and then choose Course Availability. Change the setting to “Yes” and click Submit. Until the course is made available in the control panel, students cannot access the class even if they are enrolled on the class roster.

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Some students dropped my course. Why are they still in my Blackboard course?

As students drop and add classes, the Blackboard system is automatically updated with student ADDITIONS. However, no student is removed in this system update process. Only instructors can remove students from a Blackboard course. This removal restriction is a safeguard to preserve student activity and assignment submissions in Blackboard.

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How do I remove a student from my Blackboard course?

Go to the Control Panel (found on the left side under Tools) in the course from which you wish to remove the student
Click Remove Users from Course in the box on the top right side
Search for the student or click the List All tab then the List All button to view everyone in the course
Check the box next to the student you wish to remove from the course
Type Yes in the box (be sure to capitalize the letter Y), then click Submit

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My textbook came with a CD of materials or a key code to use with Blackboard. How do I install it in my Blackboard course?

Some textbook publishers provide instructors with a course cartridge, which is a collection of resources that an instructor can add to a Blackboard course. Cartridges may contain PowerPoint files, quizzes, links, or other information. To add a course cartridge, you can click Import Course Cartridge in the course Control Panel and then enter the Download Key provided by the publisher. With this process, you cannot choose which materials you want and which ones you do not--everything will be loaded into your course shell. If you decide you do not want the course cartridge, contact the Blackboardb administrator as soon as possible (we can only remove the last 30 cartridges installed). If the cartridge did not download correctly, the Blackboard administrator can restart the download. For questions about the content from a course cartridge or how to use a specific cartridge, contact the textbook publisher.

View an online tutorial about course cartridges. Opens in new window

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What are the computer requirements for using Blackboard?

You must use a compatible, properly configured browser when working with Blackboard. To find out if your browser if properly configured to use Blackboard, visit learnonline.nku.edu and click the Test your Browser button in the bottom right corner.

Recommended Operating Systems:

Windows 2000 or XP
Windows Vista is not certified as compatible at this time
Mac OS 10.3 ("Panther") or higher

Compatible Browsers:

Internet Explorer 6 and 7 (Internet Explorer is the browser officially recommended by Blackboard, Inc. for Windows computers)
Firefox
SPECIAL NOTE: Do not use the AOL browser. Log into AOL then use one of the compatible browsers listed above

General Browser Requirements/Settings: Due to the wide variety of computer hardware/software/browser combinations available, it is nearly impossible to give a comprehensive list of settings that accounts for all variations. What follows are some of the most common settings necessary to make your Blackboard experience a successful one.

Java

Many Blackboard functions require Java to be installed on your computer and java scripting to be enabled in your browser. Java runtime version 1.5 is required.
* Special Note: Java's newest version 1.6 is currently NOT compatible with Blackboard. To optimize your Blackboard experience verify you have installed the correct Java version 1.5. *

To see if Java is installed on your computer and what version it is do the following:

Click on “Start” lower left portion of the screen
Select “Control Panel”
From the "Category View" click on the “Java” coffee cup icon to see which version you have
If the Icon is not present, you will have to download Java version 1.5.

To enable Java scripting in IE:

Click on "Tools" in the menu bar
Choose "Internet Options"
Click on "Security" tab
Click on the "Internet" icon
Click on "Custom Level" button
Scroll down until you see "Scripting of Java Applets" (under Scripting). Set this to "Enable"
Click on "OK"

Cookies

Your computer must be allowed to accept cookies. To enable cookies in IE:

Click on "Tools" in the menu bar
Choose "Internet Options"
Click on "Privacy" tab
Slide bar to medium or lower
Click on "Apply"

Trusted Site

It is recommended that you make the following a trusted site in Internet Explorer's Privacy tab: learnonline.nku.edu or nku.edu

Click on "Tools" in the menu bar
Choose "Internet Options"
Click on "Privacy" tab
Click on "Sites"
Type in learnonline.nku.edu or nku.edu
Click "Allow"
Click "OK"

It is recommended you also make learnonline.nku.edu or nku.edu trusted sites in Internet Explorer's Security tab:

Click on "Tools" in the menu bar
Choose "Internet Options"
Click on "Security" tab
Click on "Trusted Sites"
Click on “Sites”
Type in learnonline.nku.edu or nku.edu
Click "Add"
Click "OK"

Security Warnings

Read all security warnings that appear on your screen. Security warnings are in response to settings within your browser. In general if you are within the Blackboard application at NKU you can click okay or run to proceed with the application without danger. However, you should evaluate the message before deciding to proceed. If you have concerns, contact the HelpDesk by phone (859) 572-6911.

Pop-Up Blockers

Pop Up Blockers must be turned off when using Blackboard. Be sure to turn off Pop Up Blockers that come with your browser as well as third-party blockers that come with programs such as Google Tool Bar. The procedure below allows popups to be displayed when accessing UofL's Blackboard site. To allow popups in Internet Explorer:

Click on "Tools" in the menu bar
Choose "Internet Options"
Click on "Privacy" tab
In the Popup Blocker area, click the Settings button
Enter learnonline.nku.edu in the "Address of Web Site to Allow" field and click Add
Click on "Close"
Click on "OK"
Note: make sure that any third-party popup blocking software is disabled.

Clearing Cache

Occasionally a previously viewed page will load or remain on your screen creating the illusion you are working with a new page. Cache Settings for Internet Explorer 6.0:

Click on Tools
Choose Internet Options
General tab
Temporary Files
Click Settings
Choose "Every time"
Click OK
To clear cache click "Delete Files"
Delete all files... click OK
Click OK

Cache Settings for Internet Explorer 7.0:

Click on Tools
Choose Internet Options
General tab
Browsing history area click Settings
Select "Every time I start Internet Explorer"
Click OK
Browsing history area click Delete
Temporary Internet Files click Delete files...
Are you sure... click Yes
Click Close
Click OK

SSL (Secure Socket Layer)

Much of Blackboard goes through secure connections. SSL (and the correct versions) must be enabled. SSL Settings for Internet Explorer:

Click on Tools
Select Internet Options
Choose Advanced
Scroll down to Security section
Near the bottom place a check beside "Use SSL 2.0" and "Use SSL 3.0"
Remove the check beside "Use TLS 1.0"
Click OK

Firefox 2.0

Click on Tools
Select Options
Choose Advanced
Select the Security tab
Under Protocols place a check beside "Use SSL 2.0" and "Use SSL 3.0"
Remove the check beside "Use TSL 1.0"
Click OK

FireFox Best Practices

Most of Mozilla FireFox defaults are generally adequate for Blackboard. If you need to change them, most settings in Firefox are located:

Tools
Content
Options

Make sure the following selections are marked:

"Load Images"
"Enable Java"
"Enable Javascript

If "Block Popups" is checked, then you should also click the corresponding "Allowed Sites" button and add "learnonline.nku.edu", since popup blocking can interfere with some blackboard features.

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What are the software requirements for using Blackboard?

Software needs depends on individual requirements of the course. The instructor may require specific programs/formats for document and assignment submission. If you don't have the required programs on your computer, the Microsoft Office Suite and other programs are offered to the University community at reasonable prices through the IT department.

To Download and read documents, free reader versions of Microsoft applications are available for download. Open Office is a free open source software suite which emulates most of the functions of Microsoft office.

Free Downloads

Word Powerpoint Excel Open Office

Some courses may require certain plug-ins for your browser to play or utilize materials.
You may or may not need the plug-ins, depending on what type of files your instructor shares with you via Blackboard. These plug-ins are free downloads:

Apple Quick Time 7 - QuickTime Player is an application for playing, interacting with, or viewing any video, audio, VR, or graphics file that is compatible with QuickTime.

Shockwave, Flash & Acrobat Reader - Adobe Shockwave and FlashPlayer plug-ins let you experience automation and entertainment in your Web browser. Acrobat Reader lets you view and print PDF files.

Real Networks RealPlayer - Play online audio and video content.

Microsoft Media Player - Windows Media Player supports Windows Media (WMA,ASF), MP3, WAV, MIDI, AVI, and other formats.

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A work/school firewall blocks my access, what do I do?

With Internet Explorer 6, the nku.edu domain must be trusted for the ULink portal to work. Instructions for that follow:

1. Click on the "Tools" menu.
2. Click on "Internet Options".
3. Click on the "Privacy" tab.
4. Click on the "Edit" button.
5. In the box labeled "Address of Web site" type: nku.edu
6. Click on the "Allow button".
7. Click on the "OK" button.
8. Click on the "OK" button.
9. Try to login to ULink.

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Do I need to request a Blackboard course?

You do not need to request Blackboard courses. A new Blackboard course shell will be automatically created and populated for all course sections listed in the Schedule of Classes.

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How is my course made available to students?

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Where should students turn for help with Blackboard?

As in the traditional classroom, Blackboard instructors are the first line of contact for their students. POD also provides online resources for students, and if students have trouble logging in or accessing Blackboard they can call the IT Helpdesk at (859) 572-6911.

Where should instructors turn for help with Blackboard?

Instructors should utilize the resources on this web page or contact the Help Desk at 859-572-6911 for other questions or requests.

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Usage Questions

My students are having trouble taking a quiz. What should I tell them?

There are many browser and computer issues that can cause problems with tests and quizzes in Blackboard. Your students should follow these tips when taking a test in Blackboard.

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How can my students work in teams or groups in Blackboard?

In your course Control Panel, click on Manage Groups, then Add Group, and type a Name and Description for the group. Check the boxes for the tools you want the group members to be able to access (Group Discussion Board, Group Virtual Classroom, Group File Exchange, and Group Email--you probably want to check all four boxes). Click the Submit button, click OK, then click the Modify button for the group you just created. Click Add Users to Group, then click the List All tab to show all the students in the class. Check the boxes next to the students in this group and click Submit and OK. Repeat these steps for each of the groups in the class.

Students can access their groups by clicking Communication in the course menu, then clicking Group Pages, and then clicking the name of their group. From there they should have access to the tools you selected when creating the group (for example, if you checked the box for Group Discussion Board, students will have access to a discussion board that is only accessible to the members of their group and the course instructors).

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Where is the digital drop box?

The digital drop box has been disabled because it caused problems with the server. You may see references to this tool in your course Control Panel, but it is not available. There are a few alternative ways to have students submit files via Blackboard.

Alternative to Digital Drop Box: Assignments
Students can submit papers to their instructor through a Blackboard Assignment. In the course Control Panel, go to one of the content areas (Course Documents, Assignments, etc) where you would like to add the Assignment. On the right side at the top you will see a drop box that says Learning Unit. Click the arrow next to that to open the drop box and choose Assignment, then click the Go button. After you create the assignment, your students will see a link to "View/Complete Assignment" and they will be able to upload their file to you from there.

Alternative to Digital Drop Box: Group File Sharing
Instructors can create a group (Control Panel > Manage Groups) and make Group File Exchange available. Everyone in the group will be able to share files with each other. If you want the whole class to share files, simply add everyone to the group (Manage Group > Add Users to Group > List All, and just check all the boxes and click Submit).

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Why are videos coming up "Page Cannot be Displayed" or "RTSP is not registered protocol"?

If you get one of these messages this will probably fix your problem:

Open RealPlayer and click on “Tools” and select “Preferences.”
A new box should appear click on “Content” then “Media Types”
On the top, right side of the box click “Advanced”
Put a check in “Real-Time Streaming Protocol” (about 15 from the bottom)
Click the “OK” button
Click the “OK” button

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Are there any special rules for uploading to Blackboard?

Yes, as a best practice it is always wise to save documents or create items in the Blackboard system that contain only letters, numbers, underscores ( _ ) and dashes ( - ).

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How do I log in to Blackboard?

Access Blackboard directly by typing in learnonline.nku.edu or by selecting "Blackboard" from the Quick Links drop down box in the upper right hand corner of the NKU home page. You will use the same username and password as you do for your NKU email account.

To check your NKU username or reset your password visit http://www.nku.edu/password Opens in new window .

Need more information about NKU accounts? Visit the NKU Account Information Opens in new window site.

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I put a great deal of work into this course. Can I use it again next semester?

Yes! With just a few steps, your Blackboard course content can be copied into your new Blackboard course shell using Blackboard’s Copy Course function. PDF document

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I want to reuse my course for another semester, what should I do?

A new Blackboard course shell will be automatically created and populated for all course sections listed in the Schedule of Classes. To reuse existing course content, Blackboard instructors can simply copy the existing content from a “source” course into a new, “destination” course by using Blackboard’s Copy Course function. PDF document

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In the past, I submitted requests to “roll over” my courses. Can I still do that?

It is no longer necessary to “roll” courses over. A new Blackboard course shell will be automatically created and populated for all course sections listed in the Schedule of Classes. To reuse existing course content, Blackboard instructors can simply copy the existing content from a “source” course into a new, “destination” course by using Blackboard’s Copy Course function. PDF document

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How do I use Turnitin to check my students' papers for possible plagiarism?

For information about Turnitin and how to use it with Blackboard, please visit the page on Turnitin Resources.

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How do I get rid of courses from past semesters that I no longer need?

Do you have courses in Bb that you no longer need? You can reduce the clutter by removing unneeded courses from your Bb home page. Go to the “My NKU” tab and click the pencil icon to the right of the “My Courses” box heading. Uncheck the box under “Display Course Name” for any courses you don’t want displayed on your Bb main menu and click the Submit button at the bottom of the page. Repeat this process on the “Courses” tab for the “Course List” box.

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How can I prevent my students from cheating on online exams?

If you are concerned about your students printing your Blackboard exams and sharing the questions with their classmates, the best way to prevent this is by using the Pool Manager to create a larger pool of questions so each student receives a different, random set of questions on their exam.

If this approach is not practical for your exam, another option is to embed a javascript code on the exam page that prevents students from printing or copying-and-pasting your exam questions. This is not entirely foolproof, and may even cause problems with some students' browsers, preventing them from completing the exam. If you want to try it, follow these directions and read the notice below:

Go to Control Panel > Test Manager > Modify (selected test).
This takes you to the test "canvas." Click Modify for the assessment instructions.
In order to copy the code into the proper location, click on the small down arrow to reveal the additional text options.

Click on the<html> option

Copy and paste the following code into the HTML View, either before or after your test instructions:

<SCRIPT language=Javascript
src="http://pod.nku.edu/noprintcopy.js"></script>
<STYLE type=text/css>@media print {BODY {display:none}}</style>

NOTICE: By installing this script in your exam, your students will not have an option to answer any questions they may have left blank after clicking Submit (for example, if a student clicks the Submit button to complete his test and is notified that he left question #3 blank, when he clicks the Cancel button Blackboard acts as if he clicked OK and the test is "turned in" instead of returning him to the test canvas to provide an answer for #3). Please warn your students that they must be completely finished with the exam before clicking the Submit button. If any of your students are unable to complete your exam because of problems with the script, you will need to remove the script and clear their attempt so they can take it again. POD does not offer any guarantees regarding this script, and cannot provide any support if it does not work to your expectations--use at your own risk. If you do encounter major problems using the script, please notify POD so we may reevaluate the decision to offer it to instructors.

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Setup Questions

What about Training?

Introductory training is strongly recommended for all faculty preparing to utilize the Blackboard online learning environment. Professional & Organizational Development offers monthly Bb training's and workshops. Training consists of online learning pedagogy, viewing courses from a student perspective, and customizing your course. Workshops offer topic specific online instruction assistance. Visit the Event Registration Page to view all upcoming POD events and register to attend a training workshop. If no Blackboard workshops are currently available, please contact POD for one-on-one consultations.

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When should I set my course as unavailable?

One week after final grades are posted, all Blackboard course shells will be automatically set as "unavailable" to students. Instructors will still have access to their course shells on Blackboard for one academic year.

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When do I need to export the grade book and how do I accomplish this task?

It is recommended to back up your grade book once per week to ensure no data is lost due to unexpected system failures. Additionally, faculty must export the grade book at the close of each semester and maintain its safe keeping as per University policy. To export your Blackboard Gradebook, click the Download Grades button on the Blackboard Gradebook Spreadsheet View page. Choose Comma, click Submit, and Save the file.

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Is a special section code required for Blackboard classes in the NKU Schedule of Classes?

Yes, for the NKU Schedule of Classes, Blackboard courses must be assigned the appropriate letter in the course section number. Each instructor and academic department is responsible for assigning the correct section code to Bb courses. Be sure to notify the appropriate department personnel of the Bb status of your class.

Section Code	Description
N	Web enhanced
W	Web based via NKU’s online learning Bb portal.
WT	Web based via NKU’s online learning Bb portal with a telecourse component.
I	100% web based via NKU's online learning Bb portal - limited to online degree or certificate program students.
J	100% web based via NKU's online learning Bb portal - open to non-online program students if space permits.

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How is the appropriate section code determined?

The section code should only reflect one of the following identifiers if Bb access is mandatory to fulfill course requirements:

Section Code	Description	Determining Factors
N	Web enhanced	Students meet at the regular scheduled class time or meet more than 20 percent of class time face-to-face with the instructor and will need access to the Internet to fulfill course requirements.
W	Web based	Students meet less than 20 percent of the time face-to-face with the instructor and will need access to the Internet to fulfill course requirements.
WT	Web based	Students complete Web based requirements as indicated above for “W” classes with an additional KET telecourse component.
I	100% online	Students meet 100% of the time online via NKU's Bb portal. These courses are limited to online degree or certificate program students ("Z" majors).
J	100% online	Students meet 100% of the time online via NKU's Bb portal. These courses are actually combined with the corresponding "I" online program section. "J" sections are open to non-online program students if space permits. A fee may apply.

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I am team teaching with one or more colleagues. How do we set up the course?

The instructor that is assigned the course in SIS will be the instructor assigned to the Blackboard course. The lead teacher should add additional instructors to the course in Blackboard by selecting "Add Users by Role" in the course Control Panel.

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What if I want to enroll multiple sections into one Blackboard course?

Contact the Help Desk (x6911) with information on which sections need to be combined into one Blackboard course shell.

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