Blackboard is a Web-based course-management system designed to allow students and faculty to participate in classes delivered online or use online materials and activities to complement face-to-face teaching. Blackboard enables instructors to provide students with course materials, discussion boards, virtual chat, online quizzes, an academic resource center, and more.

The degree to which Blackboard is used in a course varies. For example, instructors may supplement an on-campus class by putting their syllabus and handouts on their course sites. In contrast, other courses may be conducted entirely through Blackboard, without any on-campus sessions. If you’re enrolled in a course that uses Blackboard, be sure to find out how Blackboard will be used in that course.

On this Page:

• How will I know if an on-campus course uses Blackboard?
• What equipment and skills do I need to use Blackboard?
• How can I learn to use Blackboard?
• How do I access my Blackboard courses?
• Where can I find additional assistance or information?

How will I know if a course held on campus uses Blackboard?The course instructor will inform you if Blackboard is used and how it will be used. Not every face to face Garrett College course will use Blackboard.

• A Pentium PC running Windows 98 or higher OR a Macintosh running system 7.5 or higher, with a minimum of 64MB RAM (recommended)
• Access to the Internet. A high speed Internet connection such as cable or DSL is recommended.
• A Web browser, either Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher or Firefox (Download IE or Firefox)  
• A Garrett College student email account and the ability to send and receive e-mail and e-mail file attachments is required.
• The ability to use a browser to navigate the Web, the ability to navigate among multiple open windows, and the ability to open, close, and save files and attachments.
• A Blackboard User Account. If you register for an online course that uses Blackboard, a username and password will be created for you and mailed to your home address prior to class. If you do not recieve your login credentials by mail, stop in the Distance Learning Office (please provide a photo ID) or call 301-387-3155.
• Any additional requirements as requested and specified by the course instructor, such as access to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Acrobat Reader, Real Player, or other specialized hardware or software.
  See the Plug-ins page.

Most students find Blackboard very intuitive and easy to use; students often don’t require any special Blackboard training. Your course instructor should provide you with a brief orientation to the course site, explaining how to navigate the site, the location of content and learning materials, and any Blackboard features or tools used in the course. (NOTE: The Blackboard tools and features used may vary from instructor to instructor and from course to course.)

1. With a Web browser, go to http://blackboard.garrettcollege.edu
2. Click the “Blackboard Login” button.
3. Enter your username and password. If you have registered for an online class, you will receive your user account and password via your email. If you do not receive an email, email dlearn@garrettcollege.edu.
4. Click “Login.” Your Garrett Blackboard page will be displayed, along with links to your courses.
    

Student Instructions for Blackboard
This page is designed to help Blackboard users with the basic functions of logging in, changing their password, retrieving a lost password, and updating their personal information.

Blackboard FAQ for Students
An online Frequently Asked Questions database where we have addressed some of the most common inquiries of students.

Academic Catalog
This document addresses the rights and responsibilities of students in regards to their E-mail, personal disclosures, acceptable use, online behavior, academic honesty, and publication and distribution of their work.

Blackboard Student Manual
A set of links to applications that may need to be downloaded to view content created by an instructor in Blackboard.