Blackboard Frequently Asked Questions (Students)

Blackboard is an integrated set of educational
tools for developing and delivering courses or course components
over the web. It was originally developed at the University of British
Columbia and is presently being used by universities and colleges all
over the world.

Students will use Blackboard if the instructor has chosen to implement
it into his or her course. More information can be found at: http://www.blackboard.com.

Most Common Issues
Issue 1: Why does the course I am enrolled not show up when I log into
Blackboard?
Issue 2: My professor says I am on the roster but I still can not see the
course.
Issue 3: I can not log into theyst sem.
Issue 4: I do not know my Blackboard Id.
Issue 5: I forgot my Password.
Issue 6: I don’t know how to navigate through the system.
Issue 7: What Operating Systems are supported?
Issue 8: I have trouble loading videos that my professor has put on Blackboard.
Issue 9: I am having trouble with my Internet Browser.  Which one should I use?
Issue 10: Why when I look up Blackboard’s official site I get sent to a Blackboard company site?
Issue 11: These questions did not help me find my answer.

Issue 1: Why does the course I am enrolled not show up
when I log into Blackboard?

You need to verify with your professor that they are using Blackboard. 
Not every course offered has a corresponding Blackboard course.

Issue 2: My professor says I am on the roster but I still
can not see the course.

A: Ask the professor what Blackboard Id they have for you in the course. 
You need to make sure that this Id matches the first part of your
Mason email address.  If they do not match, you need to call the
ITU Support Center at 703-993-8870.  Explain that you have two Id’s
in the system.  You will let them know which Id you want to keep
and which Id you want removed.

Issue 3: I can not log into the system.

A: If this is the beginning of the semester, you need to verify that
your professor is actually using Blackboard.  When entering your
Blackboard Id make sure that it is all lowercase.

Issue 4: I do not know my Blackboard Id.

A: Your Blackboard Id is the first part of your Mason email address.
(example: gpatriot@gmu.edu has a Blackboard of gpatriot)
If you need to establish a Mason email account do so at http://mail.gmu.edu. 

Issue 5: I forgot my Password.

A: Reset your password at http://mail.gmu.edu or visit the ITU
Support Center in Innovation Hall 2nd floor.

Issue 6: I don’t know how to navigate through the system.

A: Watch an orientation video here: http://ircdln.gmu.edu/webct/WebCTStudent.htm

Issue 7: What Operating Systems are supported?

• Mac OS 9 operating system software
• Mac OS X v10.1.x operating system software
• Mac OS X v10.2.X operating system software
• Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition operating system
• Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system
• Microsoft Windows XP operating system

**note: The ITU does not support the Windows Vista Operating system.  Please visit the ITU Support Center at
http://itusupport.gmu.edu/vista_os.asp for more
information on supported Operating systems.

Issue 8: I have trouble loading videos that my professor
has put on Blackboard.

A: It is recommended that you have Broadband (DSL or cable)
access to the internet.  If you are using a dial-up connection you
will experience problems.
Windows Media Player help:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player
/faq/playing_files.mspx

Issue 9: I am having trouble with my Internet Browser.  Which one should I use?

A: Please see the list of supported browsers found here: http://www.webct.com/tuneup/viewpage?name=tuneup_browser
_tuneup _information#browsers

Issue 10: Why when I look up Blackboard’s official site I get
sent to a Blackboard company site?

A: Blackboard has purchased the Blackboard software.  It is now under
one company.

Issue 11: These questions did not help me find my answer.

A: Please fill out the help form found here: Coming Soon