Blackboard Information for Students

Logging in and Finding My Courses on Blackboard

Computer Requirements for Using Blackboard

What is Blackboard?
BlackBoard is an Internet based e-Education software product that allows instructors to set up virtual classrooms by making course materials available on the Web for students.

Features of Blackboard Include:

tools for posting a class syllabus, assignments, documents and links
announcements
threaded discussions
email capabilities
electronic file exchange
chat room and whiteboard
group pages features for student team projects
online quizzes, surveys and grade book
calendar
statistical information on student activity
and more!

How do I log on?

Open Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari and go to the Stephens Blackboard website at http://stephens.blackboard.com/ .
Enter the USERNAME and PASSWORD that was given to you and click the "Login" button. Your password may be different than your email password.

You may change your password as soon as you log in so no one else can access your account. (This can be done by clicking on the "Change Preferred Email Address" link on the left of the My Stephens page.)

Accessing your courses

In your My Stephens tab, under My Courses, there should be links for all of your courses. Click on the one you wish to enter. Then you can access content for each particular course. A course looks like this:

Important Things to Remember

Never give anyone your password. You will be logged into Blackboard as long as the web browser is running. Be sure to "Logout" and close the web browser when you are finished. If you do not do this, someone else could have access to your grades, files, and other sensitive information.

Getting Help or Training
Most questions can be answered by referring to the Student's Manual or Support Pages on the Blackboard Support Site.
If you need additional help, call the Information & Technology Services Help Desk at 573-876-2381 or send e-mail to blackboard@stephens.edu.

Blackboard Support Pages for Students: Blackboard's comprehensive help site for students with documentation, tutorials, tips, etc.

What Are the Minimum Requirements to Run Blackboard?

We recommend:

Windows Vista or 7; MacOS 10.4 or later. All Windows or MacOS updates should be installed as soon as possible as they become available.
at least 1 GB RAM (5GB RAM or more is recommended)
internet connection that allows at least 5 Mb/s download and 0.9 Mb/s upload speed
(ISDN or dial-up are not recommended)
To check the speed of your internet connection, click this link: http://speedtest.net/

Internet Explorer 9, Safari 5, Google Chrome, or Firefox 10 or 11 to access Blackboard
Your browser must meet the following minimum technical requirements:
- JavaScript must be enabled.
- Cookies must be enabled.
- Allow pop-ups from stephens.blackboard.com
Java must be enabled and kept up to date (at least Version 6, Update 29).
To check whether your Java is up to date:
http://www.java.com/en/download/installed.jsp?detect=jre&try=1
Your computer's anti-virus and anti-malware software must be kept up to date, and any detected viruses and malware must be removed. For PCs, we recommend Microsoft Security Essentials: http://www.microsoft.com/securityessentials/
Only one antivirus/security program should be installed.

Still Having Technical Difficulty?

If you're using Firefox and have trouble, try Internet Explorer instead.
If you're using Internet Explorer and have trouble, try Safari. http://www.apple.com/safari/download/

If you have a personal firewall on your computer, you might need to configure it so that it allows your browser to act as a server.

Troubleshooting in Internet Explorer:

Add stephens.blackboard.com to Trusted Sites. Under Tools - Internet Options - Security - Sites
[uncheck the box that says 'require server verification']).

To change other Internet Explorer settings to clear up most other problems:

Click Tools or the gear-shaped icon in the upper right.
Choose Internet Options (last one).
Go to the Security tab.
Click the Custom Level button.
Scroll half-way down. Make sure that (about half way down the list) Display mixed content is Enabled.
Click OK, Yes, and then OK again.

After that, whenever you click on a document in Blackboard, click Save (rather than Open). It's faster!

If something still does not work - send a message to blackboard@stephens.edu with a time that we can call you: we can fix your problem remotely during a webinar session.

Tips for avoiding trouble with Tests & Quizzes on Blackboard

Common causes of problems include spotty internet connections, and user error.

Your computer (and your proctor's computer, if applicable) must have an internet connection that allows at least 5 Mb/s download and 0.9 Mb/s upload speed. (ISDN or dial-up are not recommended). To check the speed of your internet connection, click this link: http://speedtest.net/ Wireless connections go in and out. Be sure to connect your (or your proctor's computer) to the internet using a wire before your exam.

During the exam, avoid clicking the Back arrow at the top of a browser. Avoid using the keyboard on a multiple choice test (e.g., do not press Spacebar or Enter or Backspace on a multiple choice exam. In essay or short answer questions, make sure that the cursor is in a text box before pressing any keys on the keyboard.

Be sure also to close all chat programs, file sharing programs, and other programs that use the internet, before beginning a test or quiz.

If you experience continued difficulty, contact blackboard@stephens.edu or call 573-876-2392.