- Navigation bar: Open frequently used tools in one step. Select the Content, Calendar, Discussions, Gradebook, and Messages tabs to easily access those tools.
- Details & Actions: View course information and tools with these options:
- Roster: Access basic profile cards and match faces to names. All course members appear in the roster, and you can't remove yourself.
- Blackboard Collaborate: Use the open Blackboard Collaborate session as a convenient launch point for scheduled and impromptu meetings. The icon appears in purple to show you and other course members when people are active in the Collaborate room.
- Attendance: If your instructor uses the attendance feature, you can access your records.
- Groups: View or join course groups your instructor has created.
- Announcements: View course announcements your instructor has posted.
- OneDrive: You can upload files to web apps that run in the "cloud" and aren't installed on your computer, such as OneDrive®.
- Course content: All of your course content appears in the main part of the page. When you open a piece of content, it slides out in a layer on top of the Course Content page. Close layers to navigate back to a previous spot in your course. Progress tracking allows you to keep track of what content you've completed and which one you still need to go through.
Instructors can copy session links and add the weblink to the course content area.
You can also find Collaborate sessions under the course Details & Actions. The Collaborate camera icon appears in purple to show you and other course members when people are active in the Collaborate room.
Select Join session from the Details & Actions menu on the Course Content page. If there is more than one session, you can select the one you want to join from the menu. Select the arrow to expand the list of available sessions.
When you join a session it opens in a new window or browser, depending on your browser settings.
You can't see Collaborate recordings of the Course Room at this time.
If your instructor creates a group assignment or test and has enabled conversations, you can also use Collaborate Ultra to meet virtually with your group. Each group member joins the sessions as a presenter, so you can use additional features such as white boards and file sharing.
Instructors use tests to assess your knowledge of course content and objectives. Your instructor assigns point values to questions in a test. You submit your test for grading and the results are recorded. You can view your grades when your instructor makes them available to you.
Start your test as soon as you can. If your instructor makes a test available for three days, plan to take the test early on the first day. If you have an issue, you'll have time to contact technical support and your instructor.
Read all of the instructions. If you have any trouble with your test or understanding test questions, contact your instructor immediately.
Check your internet connection.
- A wired connection is usually more reliable than a wireless connection.
- Check with your instructor and institution before you take a test with a cellular data connection. Most institutions will advise you to avoid a cellular data connection. Exceptions: Your institution is a Blackboard mobile-enabled site with the Blackboard app available and your instructor has created a mobile-compatible test.
Don't refresh the page, close the window, or use the browser's back button while you take a test. If you have problems during a test, contact your instructor immediately.
You can access tests from multiple areas, including both in and outside your courses. For example, you can access tests in the activity stream or in the calendar if your instructor added due dates.
If the due date has passed for a test, you’re alerted in the Important section of the activity stream.
You can also find tests on the Course Content page. Your instructor may also organize tests in folders and learning modules. Surveys aren't supported in the Ultra Course View at this time.
Your instructor may create groups or ask you to self-enroll for group tests. Learn more about how group assessments work in the group assignments topic.
After you select a test, the Details & Information panel appears. View the due date, number of attempts allowed, the time limit if imposed, and possibly goals and a rubric for grading. Check if the due date has passed and if any submissions are or will be late.
Access code
Your instructor may require a 6-digit access code. Instructors issue the access codes, but they might have another person, such as a proctor, deliver the codes. After you type the code, you can open the test. You can use the code to resume a test you saved. You don't need the code to view your grades and feedback posted by your instructor. If your instructor changes the code between attempts, you'll need to ask for it again.
Your instructor can also secure a test with the LockDown Browser. You need to provide the correct access code before the LockDown Browser is launched.