Mastering Blackboard at New Jersey City University: A Comprehensive Guide

New Jersey City University (NJCU) utilizes Blackboard as its primary Learning Management System (LMS) to deliver web-based instruction. This guide offers comprehensive information on how faculty and students can effectively use Blackboard, along with related resources and support services at NJCU.

Accessing Blackboard

Blackboard is entirely web-based, eliminating the need for special software installation. To access Blackboard:

Ensure you have a supported web browser (e.g., Safari, Chrome, Firefox) and that its settings are correctly configured for Blackboard Learn. The Browser Support Policy page provides information on general software requirements.
Log in using your GothicNet ID and case-sensitive GothicNet password. If you are unable to log in, reset your password.
All online courses you are teaching or enrolled in will appear on your "My Web Courses" page.

Support for Faculty

The Department of Online Learning offers a range of resources and services to assist faculty teaching online, web-enhanced, or blended courses.

Contacting the Department of Online Learning

Faculty interested in teaching an online course or using Blackboard Learn may request support by contacting the Department of Online Learning at (201) 200-3449.

Individualized Support

Each faculty member is assigned an Educational Technologist who provides individual or small group training sessions. These sessions can be scheduled at the faculty member's convenience, either in the Department of Online Learning or in the faculty member's office. During an initial appointment, the educational technologist will discuss best practices in online pedagogy and provide hands-on training in Blackboard to help faculty transform face-to-face courses into online formats. Subsequent appointments are scheduled as needed.

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Blackboard Learn Online Training Sessions

Faculty Blackboard training opportunities are regularly scheduled and accessible in the “Fundamentals of Online Teaching” course within Blackboard. These sessions include open Q&A sessions and topic-based information sessions conducted via Zoom. To join, authenticate to NJCU’s Zoom platform. If you do not have an NJCU Zoom account, create one at njcu.zoom.us.

Tips for Beginning Your Course

Customize your Blackboard Learn course template, add/modify tools, and add content, following the instructions in your training packet.
Consult the Online Course Quality Checklist for additional tips.

Support for Students

NJCU provides multiple avenues for students to receive Blackboard assistance.

Blackboard Resources

Blackboard Learn Videos for Students: Blackboard.com offers video tutorials for students.
Blackboard Learn Help for Students: Blackboard.com provides a page answering general student questions.

Technical Support

Technology support services are available through the Help Desk Services unit in the Department of Information Technology. The unit aims to deliver quality customer service and technical solutions.

Phone: 201-490-1324 (After regular hours including weekends and holidays)
Zoom with IT: Join virtual IT Help Desk sessions for live training and support online (using Zoom) from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM during the scheduled times.
FAQ System: Access the general FAQ system for quick answers to common questions.
Blackboard AI Chatbot: A new AI chatbot is available 24/7 to provide support.

Contacting Your Professor

For academic issues, follow your professor's instructions. In most cases, professors prefer students to send a Course Message within Blackboard Learn. If you need to contact your professor by telephone, use the NJCU Directory to locate their phone number. If your professor is not listed, contact the academic department for assistance.

Congressman Frank J. Guarini Library

The NJCU Library offers print and electronic resources to assist with academic research for online courses. Access online databases and "Ask a Librarian" services on the Library's home page. Most electronic resources can be accessed remotely. The Library also provides an Information Literacy Tutorial within Blackboard Learn.

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Key Blackboard Features and Functionality

Course Content and Communication

Blackboard allows instructors to upload various types of content, communicate with students, and manage assignments.

Uploading Readable Documents: All documents should be uploaded in PDF or HTML format to ensure all learners can view them. Documents in other formats (e.g., Word, Excel) are only accessible to students with those applications installed.
Course Messages: A primary method for students to communicate with professors regarding academic issues.

Assessments and Testing

Blackboard provides tools for creating and administering tests.

Test Instructions: Carefully read ALL instructions before beginning a test, as each instructor may configure tests differently.
Preparation:
- Close all other programs running on your computer before starting the test.
- Turn off virus-scanning software, pop-up blockers, instant messaging, or other programs that may cause your computer to restart, open pop-up windows, or open new browser windows.
During the Test:
- Do not resize or refresh your browser window after starting the test.
- Do not use the Back, Forward, Home, or Refresh buttons on the browser or the Backspace key on the keyboard.
Internet Connection: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection. Wireless connections are not always stable and can lead to disconnection.
Time Management: Do not wait until the last minute to take the test.

Mobile Access

Blackboard Mobile App: Download the free Blackboard Mobile App from your device's app store. Search for "New Jersey City University" and enter your GothicNet ID and password.
NJCU App: The New Jersey City University App provides access to academic tools, deadlines, classes, and campus resources.

Pertinent NJCU Policies

Students in online courses are expected to comply with the student code of conduct as described in the Gothic Guide Student Handbook. Students using Blackboard Learn must also comply with the Academic Integrity Policy, NJCU Copyright Policy and Related Guidelines, and the Responsible Use of Computer Resources policy.

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BibliU Integration

NJCU integrates with BibliU to provide access to course materials.

Accessing BibliU

The first time you access BibliU, go through your school's LMS, Blackboard. This way, all of your course materials will appear upon signing in to BibliU.
To access BibliU on one of our native apps, you can log in through Single Sign-on. All of your provisioned texts through BibliU will appear as soon as you login via Blackboard.
As a faculty member, you will first need to log in to your BibliU account through each course that you are teaching in order to make your titles appear in your library, and then from there you can also log in through Single Sign On.

Courseware

LTI integrated courseware is the publisher interactive material/courseware that you have worked directly with publishers to setup in Blackboard.
Integrating BibliU LTI into Blackboard offers two options: Integrating through LTI v1.1 and LTI v1.3.

Single-Sign-On (SSO)

A Single-Sign-On (SSO) authentication system allows a student to have a single set of login credentials to sign them into our native BibliU applications. This is optional for all Inclusive Access students and only needed should they need to login through our native apps.

BibliU's Adoptions Tool

BibliU's Adoptions Tool was created to optimize the content adoption workflow. Users are able to submit new requests, manage existing requests, search through our catalog, and view the adoption status of all courses. This allows faculty to easily submit and resubmit their adoptions and for administrators to quickly view the information that is important to them. BibliU's integrations and automations help to streamline these processes and make them as efficient as possible.

Data Security

BibliU requires student enrollment data from your institution to ensure students receive the appropriate course materials and for accurate billing and reporting purposes. BibliU uses secure FTP connection to ensure the data is safe and protected.

Additional Resources

Office of Specialized Services and Supplemental Instruction (OSS/SI): Students with disabilities who wish to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations should register with the OSS/SI.

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