CR| Blackboard | Tips and F.A.Q.s

Blackboard is a Course Management System, a type of software that allows faculty to share content and communicate with their students over the Internet. It is used to teach distance education courses, as well as to enhance courses taught in the classroom. Blackboard has many useful tools for making content more accessible to students, including an online gradebook, interactive discussion boards, live chat sessions, and online assessment tools. CR began using Blackboard in the Spring 2004 semester. Click here for more information about Blackboard.

2. How do I set up a Blackboard course space?

To set up a course, simply submit the Request A Course form. A new, "empty" Blackboard course space will be created in about 1-2 business days. You may begin adding your content as soon as the course has been created.

NOTE: Please request your course prior to the beginning of the semester. Once the semester begins, new spaces will only be created once day a week on an as needed basis.

3. What is my Blackboard username and password?

Your Blackboard username is the first initial of your first name, plus your last name, plus the last three digits of your CR ID#. Click here to see an example.

The default Blackboard password for faculty will be emailed to you after you request a course.

4. How do I change my password?

From the My CR Welcome Page, click Personal Information located in the Tools menu on the left-side of the page.
Click Change Password.
Enter a new password, enter it again for verify it, and click Submit.

5. How do I add students to my course?

Students will be automatically added to your course the day that registration closes (a few days prior to the first day of the semester.) All enrolled students will be added.

6. How do I add co-instructors, TAs or additional students to my course?

To add additional people into your Blackboard course, email the person's name (and if known, CR ID# and birthday) along with the course information to its@redwoods.edu.

7. How do I remove students from my course?

Students who drop your course should be removed by the instructor. This is because Blackboard is not dynamically linked to CR's Student Data System (Datatel).

From the Control Panel, click Remove Users from the Course.
Search for the student, check the Remove box, type "Yes" and click Submit.

8. How do my students log into Blackboard?

Students can access Blackboard through the Entry page at www.redwoods.edu/blackboard. Students who need assistance with logging in can click the Username and Password link in the left menu.

9. How do my students access my course?

Your students will see your class listed under "My Courses" on the My CR Welcome page. Only currently enrolled students will be able to access your course. One week after grades are available after the semester ends, the course will be closed to students.

10. Where do my students go for help using Blackboard?

Students are advised to go to their instructors first, and then the ITS Help Desk for help using Blackboard. If you need assistance in helping them, please contact the Center for Teaching Excellence or ITS Help Desk. Click here for contact info.

11. How do I update my students' email addresses?

The email address in Blackboard is obtained the CR Student Data System (Datatel). THis email address may be out of date unless the student has updated it since he or she first registered at CR. Both instructors and students can update the email address in Blackboard (and WebAdvisor).

Updating instructions for the Instructor:

From the Control Panel, click List/Modify Users.
Search for the student, and click Properties.
Update their email address and click Submit.

Updating instructions for the Student:

From the MyCR Welcome Page, click Personal Information located in Tools on the left-side of the page.
Click Edit Personal Information.
Enter a new email address and click Submit.