Navigating Blackboard at Adams State University: A Comprehensive Guide
Blackboard serves as the central Learning Management System (LMS) at Adams State University, facilitating online, hybrid, and supplemental courses. This article provides a comprehensive guide to accessing and utilizing Blackboard, covering essential aspects such as login procedures, browser compatibility, required plug-ins, gradebook management, and the Grizzly Readiness program.
Accessing Blackboard
Initial Login and Password
Upon enrollment at Adams State University, students receive a username. The initial password setup can be modified later by navigating to Student Resources and selecting "change password."
Login Methods
To access Blackboard, users can either:
- Go directly to the Blackboard login page.
- Navigate to the OneStop page and select "Blackboard Course Access."
Both methods require your campus login and password. It is important to use only your username.
Recommended Browsers
While any modern browser should work with Blackboard, AITC (Adams State University’s Academic Information Technology Center) recommends using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome for optimal performance.
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Blackboard Interface and Navigation
Institution Page
After logging in, users are directed to the Institution Page, which displays important campus-wide information.
Ultra Base Navigation
Adams State University utilizes Blackboard Ultra Base Navigation, which offers several key features:
- Your Name: Access profile and notification settings.
- Activity Stream: Provides direct access to course activities.
- Courses: Displays a list of enrolled courses. Courses can be filtered using the left and right arrows or the arrow beside "Current Courses."
Each Blackboard course includes a direct link to the Syllabus and Information page.
Transition to Blackboard Ultra
The university has nearly completed the transition from Blackboard Original to Blackboard Ultra. Blackboard Ultra offers enhanced accessibility, improved mobile responsiveness, and a cleaner, more efficient workflow for both instructors and students.
Browser Settings and Plug-ins
Clearing Browser Cache
Temporary Internet Files, also known as the browser's "cache," can sometimes cause access issues with password-protected sites like Blackboard. To resolve these issues, clear the browser cache.
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For Mozilla Firefox:
- Select "Tools" from the toolbar.
- Select "Clear Recent History."
- In the box that appears, check the "Cache" checkbox.
Allowing Pop-ups
Some Blackboard features may require pop-ups to be enabled.
For Mozilla Firefox:
- Click on Tools >> Options >> and select the Content tab.
- Directly across from the "Block pop-ups" check box, select the EXCEPTIONS tab.
Required Browser Plug-ins
Blackboard courses may require specific browser plug-ins. While supported browsers generally prompt automatic downloads, installing them proactively can prevent technical difficulties. These plug-ins include:
- Java: Required for all Blackboard components.
- Adobe Flash: Required for interactive quizzes, animations, and activities in many courses.
- Adobe PDF: Allows viewing of Portable Document Files (PDFs), commonly used in Blackboard courses.
Gradebook Management in Ultra
Downloading the Full Gradebook
To download the full gradebook in Ultra:
- Go to the Gradebook.
- Click the gear icon on the right side of the navigation bar to open the Gradebook Settings panel.
- In Ultra, download the Full Gradebook.
- Under Record Details choose Select All Items.
- Open the downloaded Gradebook in your spreadsheet program.
- Hide the rows of students who no longer have access to the course. In Excel and Google Sheets, right click on a row and select Hide or Hide row.
- Copy and paste the appropriate columns into your working Gradebook file. This method is best suited for smaller files.
Granting Exceptions for Additional Attempts
To grant a student additional attempts on an assignment:
- Go to the Gradebook, then the Grades view.
- Click on the cell for that student’s submission.
- From the dropdown menu, select Add or edit exceptions.
- Scroll down to Attempts allowed then use the dropdown menu to change the number of possible attempts for that student.
- Click Save. The student’s cell for the assignment should now display the dashed-clock exception icon.
Addressing "Needs Posting" Status
If a grade hasn’t been posted yet, the assignment will show in the "Needs Posting" section. To check:
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- Go to the Gradebook, then to the Overview tab.
- Scroll down to the Needs Posting section.
To ensure the assignment is visible to students:
- Go to the Gradebook and to the Gradable Items tab.
- Click the three dots next to an item and select Edit.
- Check the setting: open the assessment from the Content page, then click its gear icon to access the settings panel.
- If the setting is grayed out or you don’t see it, then the assessment may be incompatible with automatic grade posting.
Time Zone Display
Blackboard Ultra automatically displays the user’s time zone, eliminating the need for manual time zone settings.
Batch Editing Due Dates and Release Conditions
To efficiently edit due dates and release conditions:
- Go to the Content page.
- Parallel to the Course Content heading, look on the right for the three dots next to the magnifying glass.
- Click on modules or folders to open them.
- Use the checkboxes to select items.
Important: Do not delete due dates or release conditions before using Batch Edit.
Grizzly Readiness Program
The Adams State University Grizzly Readiness program provides affordable access to required course materials for students. This program ensures students have access to digital course materials on the first day of class at a reduced cost. It also benefits faculty by providing access to real-time data on student engagement to improve student outcomes.
Program Mechanics
Faculty members select the course materials for their courses. The Grizzly Readiness fee varies depending on the specific materials and the bookstore's negotiated price with the publisher.
Opting In and Out
Students can opt-out of the Grizzly Readiness program, declining participation. To opt-out:
- Log into Blackboard.
- Go to the course you wish to opt out of.
- Select the box “Opt Out of IA Program” before the add/drop date.
- Repeat this process for each course in the program.
To opt back in:
- Log into Blackboard.
- Go to the course you opted out of.
- Select the box “Opt Into IA Program” before the add/drop date.
If you decide that you do not wish to participate in this cost savings program, then you can opt out by clicking the "Grizzly Readiness (Inclusive Access)" or "Course Textbook" link in your Blackboard course and then selecting "Want to opt-out". You must opt out on or before the opt-out deadline. If you opt out, your access to the materials will be disabled soon after the opt-out deadline for your course. You will also be refunded for them.
Additional Resources and Support
Training and Workshops
Information on upcoming Blackboard trainings can be found by logging into Blackboard and scrolling through the Institution Page. Recordings of previous sessions are also available under "Blackboard Ultra Migration Session Recordings." For additional help, contact Dr.
Sandbox Shells
Educational and interactive sandbox shells are available to instructors for hands-on practice and experimentation with Ultra features.
Student Computer Labs
Student computer labs are available to all currently registered Adams State students, faculty, and staff. These labs are equipped with standard applications and may include specialized software. Note that some labs are reserved for classes, and users may be asked to leave if the room is in use.
Additional IT Resources
Office 2016 Education
Office 2016 Education is available for free installation on personal devices for Adams State University students and employees.
Printing Services
Students receive a $30.00 print credit per semester as part of the technology fee. Black and White printing costs $0.05 per page, while color printing costs $0.50 per page.
Transcripts
Official transcripts are issued by the Registrar’s Office and bear the College seal and Registrar’s signature.
Kaltura Personal Capture
Kaltura Personal Capture is used to record lectures on a personal computer with the software installed. It can be installed on computers off campus by contacting AITC or by accessing My Media under the Tools section of Blackboard.
Security Measures
Encryption is the process of encoding information to protect it from unauthorized access. AntiVirus Programs are programs that users install on their computers to fight the ever growing threat of viruses. These programs come with firewalls and virus scanners that attempt to keep a virus from installing on your computer. AntiVirus Programs often require you to update components so that they can stay updated to fight against viruses more efficiently.
System Maintenance
Computing Services regularly performs system maintenance, including the installation of Microsoft Windows updates on Windows-based systems and production servers. These updates are typically scheduled during off-peak hours to minimize disruption. Computing Services appreciates your patience and understanding as this maintenance is performed.
Ultra vs. Student Account
The Student Account Includes: Academic Hub, Find Courses, Academic Progress, Registration, Financial Hub and much more.
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