1. How do I log in to Blackboard CE?
You will log in through
myslu.edu using your SLUnet ID and password.
Once in Gateway, you click on the link for Blackboard Learning System to get to your myBlackboard page. This function will be available for Fall, 2007 for courses that are using Blackboard CE.
If you can't get into go Gateway (mySLU) call 977-4000 for password help.
2. What hardware and software do I need to use Blackboard CE?
You can do a quick check of your system by clicking "Check Browser"
on the upper right side of your My Blackboard page.
Blackboard CE requires certain software programs in order to run properly.
This page tells you which web browsers and other software work best with Bb.
(Note that SLU currently uses Campus Edition 6.2.)
If you just want to see which browsers are compatible, click here.
3. I am unable to download files in Blackboard. What's going on?
You most likely are using Internet Explorer and it is preventing the download for security reasons. Check to see if a yellow bar is being displayed at the top of the browser when this happens (see image below). If so, click on the bar. If it says "download now", click that. It might take you back to your myBlackboard page. If so, click back into the class. You should now be able to download your files.
Here is a short video with more information.
4. My instructor can't see the file I uploaded in the Assigment tool. Why not?
This is most often a problem with MIcrosoft Word. Make sure that you are uploading actual files that have a .doc extension. Do not upload files that begin with ~$ or have a .lnk extension. They are not actual Word files.
5. When I'm timed out of Blackboard, I see a log in screen. My username and password don't work. What should I do?
Blackboard users don't have credentials to log in directly on that screen, you have to go through mySLU. When you time out, close the browser window or tab and then re-enter through mySLU. It sounds like you're doing it the right way already.
6. How do I remove old classes from myBlackboard?
You can click on the little pencil icon in the upper right section of your course list.
From there you can hide your old courses. If you want them deleted entirely, you would have to contact your instuctor and see if they will turn off access to students for that section.
If you have more questions, please e-mail webct@slu.edu.
7. How do I add a picture to my Blackboard profile?
From your myBlackboard page, click on My Settings. From there, click on Edit Profile. On the right side of the page you click on Browse to upload a photo. The recommended size for a picture is 320x240 pixels.
8. When I try to upload files for a class, I get a red x where 'My Computer' is supposed to be. What can I do about this?
This is a Java problem. Java is a program that works in the background of Blackboard to do certain things and 'My Computer' is one of them.
Try clicking 'Check Browser' in the upper right part of your myBlackboard page. Scroll down and see if there is a red X on the Java section. This indicates a problem with your Java installation.
If this is happening on an office computer, call 977-4000 and ask them to update and enable Java. If it's your personal computer, you can go to http://www.java.com to download the latest version.
Instructions for enabling Java:
Internet Explorer for PC
* Click "Tools" --> "Internet Options"
* Select the Advanced Tab, and scroll down to "Java (Sun)" or to "Microsoft VM"
* Check the box next to the "Use JRE" or "Use Java 2" listing under "Java (Sun)" or to the "Java console enabled" listing under "Microsoft VM"
* Next, select the Security Tab, and select the "Custom Level" button
* Scroll down to "Scripting of Java applets"
* Make sure the "Enable" radio button is checked.
* In the section marked "Microsoft VM", if it exists, make sure that "Disable Java" is NOT selected. If it is selected, deselect it by selecting "High Safety".
* Click OK to save your preference.
Note: if you did not see "Java (Sun)" or "Microsoft VM" listed in the choices under the Advanced tab in your Internet Options, you will need to download and install Java on your computer.
Internet Explorer for Mac
* Choose "Explorer" from the top file menu, then choose "Preferences".
* Under "Web Browser" in the left-side pane, click "Java".
* Under "Java Options" on the right-side, make sure that "Enable Java" is checked.
* Click "OK".
Firefox for PC
* Choose "Tools" and then "Options.." form the top menu.
* From the left-side panel, choose "Web Features".
* Under "Web Features" on the right-side panel, make sure that the box next to 'Enable Java' is checked.
* Click "OK".
Firefox for Mac
* Choose "Preferences" from the "Firefox" menu.
* Select the 'Content' icon.
* Make sure 'Enable Java' is checked.
* Close the Preferences window.
