Blackboard is a software tool that allows instructors to easily create websites to support instruction without any programming skills. It provides a place to post instructional materials for students and has built-in teaching tools. Blackboard allows instructors to post syllabi, distribute course materials like lectures and assignments, conduct online discussions, administer tests, maintain grades, create announcements, and track student progress. At the college, a Blackboard course shell is automatically created for every class, but the site is initially unavailable to students until made live by the instructor.

1. Blackboard Basics

2. What is Blackboard?
• Blackboard is a software tool that allows individuals to easily
create web sites that support instruction.
• Using Blackboard requires no programming skills
• Blackboard (Bb) basically does two things:
1. It provides a place to post instructional materials for students
2. It has built-in teaching tools you can use

3. What can Bb do?
• Post your syllabus
• Distribute lecture notes,
slides , articles and essays
• Link to websites
• Provide audio recordings,
photos or videos
• Distribute and collect
assignments
• Make announcements
• Administer tests
• Grade tests
• Post Grades
• Maintain a grade book
• Conduct an online
discussion
• Check for plagiarism
• Allow students to create
blogs and wikis
• Send email to students
• Set up groups or teams
• Create a class calendar
• Collaborate live
• Track student progress
• Apply grading rubrics
….and more

4. Blackboard at Saint Mary’s
• To access Bb:
– www.smumn.edu
– http://Courses.smumn.edu
• A blank Bb “shell” is created for every course offered
– The student class roster is automatically loaded.
– The Bb website is turned off by default. Students will not
be able to view it unless it is made available by the
instructor.
• Bb course websites can be copied

5. :
Blackboard is an effective way to
reach your students

6. You have learned
much harder things

7. Are you ready to
give it a try?

8. Edtech@smumn.edu