Mastering Blackboard Learn at the University of Louisville: A Comprehensive Guide

Blackboard Learn is the central online learning management system (LMS) at the University of Louisville (UofL). It serves as a vital tool for both instructors and students, facilitating course delivery, communication, and access to learning materials. Whether you're a seasoned online learner or new to the platform, this guide provides essential information and tips for effectively using Blackboard Learn at UofL.

What is Blackboard Learn?

Blackboard Learn is a web-based platform that allows instructors to supplement classroom instruction or create fully online courses. It provides a centralized location for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, participating in discussions, and viewing grades.

The Delphi Center at UofL offers support to faculty, staff, and students using Blackboard and its associated software tools. Although walk-in support is unavailable due to the team working across campuses, the Delphi Center provides various resources to assist users.

As of Fall 2024, all courses are in Blackboard Ultra. Instructors are encouraged to learn the basics through a self-paced module and attend pop-in sessions for additional support or personalized assistance. The Delphi Center also periodically holds "Level Up" Blackboard instructor trainings.

Accessing Blackboard Learn

To access Blackboard Learn, you'll need an internet connection and a web browser. It's important to note that UofL requires UL2FCTR (Duo) authentication to log into Blackboard, which is separate from your university user ID and password.

Read also: Learn about Blackboard Learn at UD

Login Issues

If you're experiencing issues with Blackboard's Single Sign-On, a video tutorial is available to guide you through the login process. Additionally, Safari and other browsers on Apple products may prevent access to Blackboard course content, so you might need to allow third-party cookies in your browser settings.

Navigating Blackboard Learn

Once logged in, you'll see the Blackboard Learn interface. The layout may vary depending on whether your course is using the Original or Ultra course view. However, most courses include the following key areas:

Course Menu: Located on the left-hand side of the screen, the course menu provides access to various course areas, such as announcements, syllabus, course content, assignments, discussions, and grades.
Content Area: This is where instructors post course materials, such as documents, presentations, videos, and links to external resources.
Communication Tools: Blackboard Learn offers various communication tools, including announcements, email, discussion forums, and chat.
Assessment Tools: Instructors use assessment tools to create and administer quizzes, tests, and assignments. These tools also allow students to submit their work electronically and view their grades.

Key Features and Tools

Blackboard Learn offers a range of features and tools designed to enhance the online learning experience. Some of the most commonly used features include:

Announcements: Instructors use announcements to communicate important information to students, such as upcoming deadlines, changes to the syllabus, or important course updates.
Syllabus: The syllabus provides an overview of the course, including learning objectives, grading policies, and course schedule. SACS Course Syllabus Posting Instructions are available to guide instructors in adding the course syllabus for SACS accreditation.
Course Content: This area contains all the learning materials for the course, such as lecture notes, readings, videos, and presentations.
Assignments: This area allows students to submit assignments electronically and view instructor feedback.
Discussions: Discussion forums provide a space for students to interact with each other and the instructor, share ideas, and ask questions.
Grades: This area allows students to view their grades on assignments and tests.
Blackboard Ally: Blackboard Ally is a tool that helps instructors create accessible course content for all students. It scans content as it is uploaded to Blackboard and provides an indicator of how accessible the content is. Ally also provides automatically generated alternative formats for most documents, such as HTML, Electronic Braille, and Audio.

Blackboard Ally: Enhancing Accessibility

UofL is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students. Blackboard Ally is a valuable tool that helps achieve this goal.

How Ally Works

Ally scans content uploaded to Blackboard and provides an accessibility indicator:

Red dial: Material is not accessible and needs attention.
Orange dial: Material is somewhat accessible but could use improvement.
Light green dial: Material is accessible, though it could be improved.
Dark green dial: Material is accessible and no improvement is needed.

Clicking the indicator provides feedback on how to improve accessibility.

Alternative Formats for Students

Ally automatically generates alternative file formats for most documents:

Tagged PDF: Structured PDF for improved use with assistive technology.
HTML: For viewing in the browser and on mobile devices.
ePub: For reading as an e-book on an iPad and other e-book readers.
Electronic braille: BRF version for consumption on electronic braille displays.
Audio: MP3 version for listening.
OCRed PDF: Used to improve the text of scanned documents.

Benefits of Ally

Faculty Benefits: Increases capacity to build high-quality accessible content, assists in the creation of alternative accessible content, provides additional ADA Section 504 and 508 due diligence, responds to student needs for accessible versions of content, and builds institutional capacity to respond to increased federal and legal requirements for accessibility.
Student Benefits: Provides alternative versions of files in multiple formats, allowing students to choose the type of file that best suits their needs.

Tips for Success in Online Courses

Whether you're taking an online college course for the first time or find yourself here reluctantly, you're not alone. Online learning can feel unfamiliar or even overwhelming at first, especially if you prefer face-to-face interaction or thrive on in-person routines. The following tips will help you succeed as an online learner:

Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines and assignments using a planner or calendar.
Manage Time Effectively: Set aside dedicated time each week to work on your online courses.
Communicate with Your Instructor: Don't hesitate to reach out to your instructor if you have questions or need help.
Participate Actively: Engage in discussions and other online activities to enhance your learning experience.
Find a Study Space: Designate a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus on your studies.
Take Breaks: Avoid burnout by taking regular breaks to relax and recharge.

Software and Computer Requirements

Software needs depend on the individual requirements of the course. The instructor may require specific programs/formats for document and assignment submission. If you don't have the required programs on your computer, Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus for Students and other programs are offered to the university community at reasonable prices through the UofL Campus Store and UofL iTech Xpres.

Visit the Blackboard FAQs webpage for the recommended minimum system requirements. Some courses may require certain plug-ins for your browser to play or utilize materials. You may or may not need the plug-ins, depending on what type of files your instructor shares with you via Blackboard.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Password Issues: If you're having trouble with your password, remember that your Blackboard login is separate from your ULink credentials. Bb deprecated most third party blocks in 2024, thus the old Manage User tool does not work. The new tools are found in Course Tools & Organization Tools and is Manage Course Users & Manage Org Users respectively. In Ultra courses and orgs, you will find the tools via Books and Tools.
Course Availability: If you don't see your course in Blackboard, check ULink to ensure you're enrolled. If you were waitlisted, you might not have access yet. Also, make sure the instructor has made the course available. Course content is made available by the course instructor(s).
System Downtime: If you suspect a system is down, you may call the HelpDesk at 502.852.7997 for status.

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