How to Use Blackboard as an Adult Learner

Chances are if you've recently returned to school after an absence of five years or more, one of the biggest changes you've noticed is the use of academic course management software. Academic course management software provides a convenient online repository for everything related to the classes you're taking - lectures, presentations, assignments, even grading, attendance logs and discussion forums. One of the most popular of these educational software suites is Blackboard.

As a student, learning to use Blackboard effectively can save you time and streamline your learning experience. Additionally, as instructors become more reliant on Blackboard in an effort to use less paper and remove geographical barriers to learning, mastering the system will become a requirement for students. Using the five tips below even the most tech phobic student can find comfort and success with Blackboard.

1.) Log In Logistics - If you are not provided information on how to log in to Blackboard before school starts take the initiative to contact your faculty advisor, the director of your program or your academic counselor and ask both if an academic course management system is being used (it probably is) and second how and where to log on to it.

Typically you'll be provided with a username and password for the first time you access the system. It is important that you change the password to something you can remember, though I also suggest writing it down just to be on the safe side. In some cases you can also change the username to make it personal as in your first and last name or initials.

No matter what username and password you choose be aware that due to security concerns you will be asked to change your password on a fairly regular basis so make a habit of recording it somewhere convenient like a daily planner.

2.) Timing Techniques - The first day of class is a good time to ask an instructor how he/she plans to use Blackboard over the semester. Some good questions to ask are:

How often do you expect students to check Blackboard for announcements?
How often do you plan to update Blackboard?
Do assignments need to be submitted via Blackboard?
Will new assignments be provided through Blackboard alone (without in class mention)?
What are some examples of the ways you plan to use Blackboard throughout the semester?
Do you use the Blackboard grading and attendance functions?

The answers to these questions will give you an idea of how often you should log on to Blackboard but a good rule of thumb is to check the site every day during the semester. If this is hard for you to remember you can add a tickler to your cell phone or put a note in your calendar to remind you. Additionally, if you are not able to access a computer or the Internet everyday you should make your instructor aware of this during the first class.

3.) Pre-Class Prep - If at all possible you should log onto Blackboard before your first class meets. Why you ask? Because if you don't log on until after the first class you're probably already behind. This came as an unwelcome surprise to me. In my undergraduate years, before the emergence of Blackboard, students showed up to class empty handed and the instructor provided everything. Not so anymore.

Instructors generally expect students to check Blackboard and review and print out the syllabus to bring to the first class. Some instructors even assign readings to be discussed in the first class. The only way you'll know this is to check Blackboard, which underscores the importance of tracking down log in information early as mentioned above.

4.) Mid-Semester Survival Strategies - Some sections of Blackboard are more important than others. Here are some of the tools you should utilize throughout the semester.

Announcements - The announcements section is exactly what it says it is, a place for instructors to post announcements for their students. This section of Blackboard should appear on the first landing page that opens when you access the site and for good reason. Typically instructors use the announcement page to post time sensitive information such as a change of classroom or cancelled class. This is the section that is most important for you to look at every day.

Course Documents - The course documents section is the main repository for, you guessed it, course documents. Instructors will typically upload the syllabus, PowerPoint presentations, speaking schedules and any other documents important for the class in this section. By checking it often you'll be able to bring PowerPoint print outs to class with you which is a great way to take effective notes.

Assignments - The assignments section is vital for any student in a class utilizing Blackboard because it is here that you will find the specifics for homework assignments you are expected to complete during the semester. It is important to check this section regularly to be sure you are fulfilling all the tasks required of you.

5.) Tail End Tools - Once you're near the end of the semester or finally done with class you no longer need to use Blackboard, right? Wrong! The end of the semester is one of the most important times to use Blackboard for the following reasons:

Announcements - Often the end of semester brings last minute announcements. These could be very important for your grade and sanity, for instance the instructor may use the announcements function to post an opportunity for extra credit, the location of the final exam or to announce an extended deadline for a project. Be sure to keep checking this section.

Tools > My Grades - Many instructors use the my grades section of Blackboard under the tools tab to keep track of student grades. If your instructor uses this function you should check it throughout the semester to make sure your grades are accurate and maintain a general understanding of where you stand in the class. This section is even more important at the end of the semester because it allows you to view your final grade and bring any concerns or questions to the instructor's attention in a timely manner. Blackboard calculates grades based on the instructor's input so you should also be able to see exactly how the grade is calculated and rest assured that a computer, not a person, is doing the math.

Tools > Online Attendance - Another valuable resource in the tools section is the online attendance tracker. Not all instructors use this capability but if yours does you should check it periodically throughout the semester to ensure that the log is accurate, this is especially important at the end of the semester. Since in many classes attendance contributes to a student's final grade this section should be closely monitored in tandem with the my grades section.

Though it can take time to become comfortable with Blackboard, in the long run rather than being a burden, it allows more control of the learning situation. Blackboard's true value comes in making class materials and even grading more transparent and readily available. When you know how to use Blackboard, almost anything you need for class is just a click away. So get started and reap the benefits this semester!