It is important for students to be comfortable using Blackboard so that they can focus on the content and not how to use the system. While many students will have used a learning management system in high school or at another higher education institution, they may not have used Blackboard before.
The new Getting Started with Blackboard tutorial for students will help them learn the basics of using Blackboard including accessing course material (like readings or presentations), submitting assignments, taking tests, viewing grades and feedback, and tracking their progress. The tutorial can be viewed sequentially or students can skip to the section(s) they need.
Each section includes a short video demonstration; most include links to additional resources and best practices to be successful both with using Blackboard and as a student.
The tutorial was designed by recent NIU alum Jen Sacenti, who served as an intern for the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning for a semester. Having a student’s perspective on the most important and confusing aspects of using Blackboard was critical and is reflected in the topics included in the tutorial.
Consider adding a link to the tutorial in your Blackboard courses for the upcoming semester.
