7 Ways to Avoid Blackboard Problems

 

1)      For step by step instructions for copying course content from an existing course (source) to a new course (destination), please print out the Faculty Instructions located at http://www.ccsnh.edu > Online Learning page

 

2)      For Bb username and password instructions: http://www.ccsnh.edu > Online Learning > Online Support Center 24/7

 

 

3)      To make your Blackboard course link visible for students:

           

Sign on to Blackboard > Click the link to your course > Control Panel > Settings > Course Availability > Yes > Submit

 

4)      To no longer display old courses on your Blackboard screen:

           

Sign on to Blackboard > My Institution page > Click the pencil point icon on the upper right side of the My Courses box > select the courses you want to be visible > Submit

 

5)      To change your email address on Blackboard, you need to change your email in SIS and mark it as preferred.  See instructions at.  http://www.ccsnh.edu > Online Learning > Online Support Center 24/7.  If you have problems, contact your campus tech person.

 

6)      All students will now be provided with a student CCSNH email address.

 

7)      The Distance Education Collaborative recommends the Netiquette policy for all courses supported with learning technologies.

 

The Netiquette policy below is also posted online at http://www.nhctc.edu > Online Learning page > Student and Faculty sections.

 

Netiquette at the Community College System of NH (CCSNH)

 

Netiquette defines appropriate communication in the online environment including email, Blackboard online classroom/discussion boards, websites, blogs, instant messaging, etc.

 

The CCSNH colleges encourage common courtesy in all forms of communication to promote effective and positive interactions. 

 

When using Internet based communication, students, staff and faculty are encouraged (and in some cases required by civil rights law) to follow the netiquette practices below:

 

  1. Please avoid using all caps.  It is often interpreted as shouting.

 

  1. Please avoid using red and bold fonts to avoid conveying anger to your reader.

 

    • Also, colors do not photocopy well and may not appear on printed documents if the color ink cartridge is old.

 

    • In addition, the colors red or light green cannot be seen by color blind people (“red and green cannot be seen”).

 

  1. Avoid offensive language of any kind.  Using email to harass others in a sexual, racial or other prejudicial manner violates civil rights laws.

 

  1. Avoid forwarding a message or attachments without the author's permission. Asking for permission demonstrates your integrity in personal and business communications.

 

  1. Avoid flaming – the expression of extreme emotion or opinion in an email

 

    • Misinterpretation of an email followed by an impulsive email response increases the probability your recipient will also respond emotionally making the situation worse. “Act in haste, repent at your leisure.”

 

    • Emotionally charged email can be printed out, forwarded to many people instantly and may acquire a level of importance that was never intended.

 

    • If you are a student and feel someone is being harassing, demeaning or abusive, please contact your instructor immediately.

 

  1. Use a clear email subject line that relates directly to your message. Consider it to be the headline of a news article.

 

    • Use an inverted pyramid form of writing with the most important statements in the first paragraph. Follow up with supporting details.

 

    • Keep paragraphs short for easy reading. Use blank lines between paragraphs.  State your recommendations for resolving a problem.

 

    • Request action - tell your recipient what you need. Be clear and concise.

 

  1. Avoid acronyms or abbreviations unless your entire audience is familiar with them.

 

  1. When using email, avoid instant messaging shorthand such as u for you.

 

  1. Use spell check and take time to proof read your email.  Electronic communication may be the only impression someone has of you.

 

  1. Be careful – email stands on its own merit, often without context, and may be instantly forwarded to many people.

 

  1. Be forgiving of mistakes.  If you decide to inform someone of a mistake, be polite and inform by private rather than public email.

 

  1. If you are harassed in any way, please contact your Instructor immediately.

 

10Dec07