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, administer tests, maintain a gradebook, conduct online discussions, and more. At Saint Mary's, a blank Blackboard shell is created for every course and instructors control whether the site is viewable to students.

1. Blackboard Basics
October 2015

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