ACADEMIC AFFAIRS | Academic Technology @ SAIS
Blackboard - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Blackboard (Bb)?
2. Why Use Bb?
3. How will SAIS utilize Bb?
4. When will Bb be available to faculty and students?
5. How do I get to Bb?
6. Will I need to manage students in my Bb course myself?
7. Am I required to use Bb?
8. What kinds of tools are available in Bb?
9. What are the technical requirements for Bb?
What is Blackboard (Bb)?
Blackboard is the industry-leading online course management system. It functions entirely on the web and is accessible to student and faculty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The system offers a wide range of tools that facilitate communication with students, provide a central repository for course materials, and more actively involve students in their own learning. Bb is also flexible, and course sites can be set up to suit the particular needs of your courses.
Why use Bb?
First and foremost, Bb9 is a proven and effective way to add educational value to traditional course work. It engages students and provides a framework for their independent work outside of the classroom. It can also help you manage student work and track their progress more efficiently. Students are also increasingly turning to online resources for communication and information, and many of them expect the same from SAIS. Bb9 provides a powerful method of meeting those expectations.
Blackboard also provides SAIS with a way to centralize many of the resources that are available in different places within the school's network. Just about any web-based service that students and faculty currently use can be incorporated into this "one-stop-shop".
How will SAIS utilize Bb?
Beginning in the Fall of 2010, all courses at SAIS will automatically have a basic website in the Blackboard system. Each site will contain a link to the course's electronic reserves (ERes) page as well as the most current version of the course syllabus. That basic site structure will be managed by the library staff and the Manager of Academic Technology.
You may also choose to build more dynamic content in the course site (see Tools below), and we will work closely with you to customize your Blackboard experience.
When will Bb be available to faculty and students?
The official Bb server became available to faculty after July 6, 2010. All general course sites were released to students on August 23. Language course sites were released prior to the start of language classes.
How doI get to Bb?
Simply visit http://blackboard.jhu.edu/ and log in with your regular JHED ID and password.
Will I need to manage students in my Bb course site myself?
No, all students (and faculty) are added to Bb automatically via ISIS. Any enrollment adds or drops will also happen automatically, including students who are "course shopping".
It is possible to add non-official participants to course sites by using an outside (non-JHU) email address. You may do this by using the Guest Management tool inside the "Faculty/Staff" tab near the top of the Bb screen. Note: This tool should not be used to add regular JHU students to course sites.
Am I required to use Bb?
Although Bb sites will be set up for every course at SAIS, you are not required to do anything with it beyond the ERes and syllabus links that will be set up automatically. However, it is a relatively simple and powerful learning tool, and we encourage you to take advantage of it.
What kinds of tools are available in Bb?
| Communication Tools | Teaching Tools | Management Tools |
Announcements | File Upload Blogs Glossary Journals Tests and Surveys External Links | Grade Center (Gradebook) |
What are the technical requirements for Bb?
Information on technical requirements and other information can be found here.
Getting Started Guide | Blackboard FAQ | Technical Information | Support | Training
About | Services | Blackboard | Learning Technologies | Support Resources
For more information, contact
Nathan Kreps, Manager of Academic Technology
1740 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Room 414
Washington, DC 20036
202.663.5652
nkreps@jhu.edu
Academic Technology Home | SAIS Library | Information Technology Services | Academic Affairs