Blackboard Basics

1. Blackboard Basics Introduction to Online Learning at RPCC

2. Welcome to RPCC Online Learning Your RPCC Blackboard Administrators are: Wendy Johnson (Office C-117) and Tom Henson (Office A-110). To ask for help with password or login problems, or other technical problems related to Blackboard, email blackboard@rpcc.edu Provide a detailed description of the problem and make sure �RPCC Blackboard Problem� is included in the subject line of the email.

3. Two URLs to Remember: Two URLs to remember: http://www.rpcc.edu Access the link to Blackboard, along with Library resources, and information about Student Services at the RPCC website. http://lctcs.blackboard.com Directly access your Blackboard course sites via the LCTCS Blackboard website.

5. From the RPCC home page, the Blackboard link will take you to the RPCC Blackboard Help page. Follow the Blackboard link to go directly to Blackboard or browse the help page to get helpful information about using Blackboard.

6. Your Blackboard User ID Is� rp + [your first initial] + [your last name] + [the last four digits of your Social Security Number] Example: Jane Smith, 123-45-6789 Blackboard User ID = rpjsmith6789 Example: Robert Jones, 444-22-5555 Blackboard User ID = rprjones5555 Your password is [rpcc] + [last 4 digits of your SS#] until you change it. Example: rpcc6789

10. To Change Your Password� Click on �Personal Information� Click on �Change Password� Type your new password in the two text boxes Click on the �Submit� button Remember your new password! If you forget it, click on �Forgot Password� on the Blackboard Login page to have a new password emailed to you.

11. To Access A Course� Click on the title of the course (right side of webpage) There may be several courses listed but only one course at a time can be accessed Click back on the �MyLCTCS� tab at any time to access a different course

13. Navigation Buttons� Navigation buttons may vary from course to course. Some commonly used ones are: Announcements Syllabus Course Documents Assignments Communications Discussion Board External Links Tools

14. Syllabus Button� The Syllabus button is a link to the course syllabus The syllabus is usually in MS Word format You will need MS Word or MS Word Viewer loaded on your computer to view and print the syllabus The MS Word Viewer can be found HERE

16. Course Documents Button� The Course Documents button is a link to any course related documents your instructor has posted The documents could be a MS Word document, a PowerPoint slide show, and Excel file, or other format You will need the necessary software or software viewers to access the documents

18. More Document Viewers� If you do not have PowerPoint, Excel, etc., then you need to download the viewers Download the PowerPoint Viewer HERE Download the Excel Viewer HERE Download the Adobe Reader HERE Download Windows Journal Viewer HERE Click on �Click Here to Access�the�Help Desk�Portal� while in your course to access more downloads and plug-ins

19. Responsibility for Coursework Access the Blackboard course site regularly to keep abreast of announcements and possible changes to assignments. Know due dates, and submit all coursework on time. Ask questions if you are unsure of an assignment. Contact your instructor to clarify instructions if necessary.

20. Contacts to Remember Blackboard technical help, login issues, or password problems: Wendy Johnson or Tom Henson at blackboard@rpcc.edu Talk to your instructor first, then if you still have course-related issues regarding online instruction, contact: Crystal Lee clee@rpcc.edu Bill Martin bmartin@rpcc.edu