Blackboard™ FAQs
What additional resources are available for Blackboard support after
the workshop?
There are several options available. Contact IDS by phone (864-2600) or e-mail
(ids@ku.edu) with questions or to arrange for an individual consultation. Also, you can
always get a “refresher” from the Blackboard Tools course, where you’ll find both written
instructions as well as video tutorials on managing your site. Finally, take advantage of
the many workshops and seminars on instructional technology applications offered by
IDS, including JayBbUG, KU’s own Blackboard User Group.
How will my students be enrolled into my Blackboard course site?
Students are automatically enrolled in Blackboard courses using the course line number.
If a student adds a course through the add/drop process, there may be a one or two day
delay while his or her paperwork is processed. Instructors may also manually add
students and other users into their course site if they choose. If a student drops, the
instructor must un-enroll the student from Blackboard course sites.
How do I request a new course on Blackboard?
Please go to the IDS web site, http://www.ku.edu/~ids and fill out the online form. You
will need to provide the course title, course ID, line number, and the semester you will be
offering the course.
Do I have to pay any fees for using Blackboard?
No, there are no fees for Blackboard users or for Blackboard training. The University as
a whole pays a licensing fee to Blackboard each year that provides you and your
students access to this software.
What are the best file formats to use in my course site?
Files saved in html format work best in Blackboard, because this is the format that
browsers, such as Internet Explorer and Netscape, read; images must be in jpg or gif
format. Any file type can be uploaded into Blackboard, although specialized formats may
require the student to have that same software on their computer in order to view the
files.
One of my students is having trouble logging in, what should I do?
First, inform the student of the standard log in procedures and check that the student is
going to the correct URL, http://courseware.ku.edu. If the student is still unable to log in,
have him or her contact the ACS Help Center at 864-0200. If the student can log into
Blackboard but cannot find the course, call IDS at 864-2600 or send us an e-mail at
ids@ku.edu and we will assist them.
How do I go about getting my GTAs enrolled in my course site?
You can add a GTA to your course from the Control Panel of Blackboard. First you need
to add him/her into the course, then modify the student’s role to that of a T.A. You can
find detailed instructions on doing this in the Blackboard Tools Course.
What happens to my course at the end of the semester?
An e-mail message will be sent to all faculty currently using Blackboard reminding them
to fill out the online Course Renewal form, if they plan to reuse their course site in a
future semester. These course sites (minus the student roster and gradebook) will
remain on the server and instructors will retain continuous access to the sites, so that
they can modify them at any time. All course sites will be copied into a secure archive
approximately a week after final exams end. Courses not “renewed” for later use are
then deleted from the server.
I’m a MAC User. Is there anything I should know?
Blackboard works on either MAC or PC computers. MAC users, however, will need to
rename their files before they upload them, adding on file extensions that indicate the
type of file, e.g., .doc for word processing document or .html for a web file. Be sure to
put a period before the extension.
Is my intellectual property protected if I use a course site?
Your materials are fully protected on the Internet, regardless of whether or not you write
copyright notices on them. Anyone who uses the material without your permission may
be held liable. You can also limit access to your course site by securing it using the
Course Options in the Control Panel. For more information, see the KU policy on
intellectual property here: http://www.vpinfo.ku.edu/IT_policy/intellprop.shtml.
Can I get someone to give me feedback on my course site after it is
completed?
Instructional Development and Support offers free, one-on-one consulting on a variety of
instructional design topics. Simply call to make an appointment to meet with one of our
Instructional Designers at a time that is convenient for you.
Getting Additional Help
Instructional Development and Support (IDS) – 4 Budig Hall:
Phone: 785/864-2600
E-mail ids@ku.edu
http://www.ku.edu/~ids