Center for Teaching and Learning
Blackboard Student Orientation
The Blackboard Student Orientation page is your central hub for all things Blackboard, designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary for a successful online learning experience. Here, you'll find essential information regarding technology requirements, ensuring your devices and internet connection meet the standards for seamless navigation and participation. Dive into practical tips and proven strategies on how to succeed in an online learning environment, covering everything from time management to effective communication with instructors and peers. For on-the-go access, you can discover how to download the convenient Blackboard student app, bringing your courses to your mobile device. Should you ever encounter issues with your account, the orientation page provides clear instructions on how to reset your password, ensuring you can regain access quickly. You'll also find guidance on accessing the web version of Blackboard, offering a comprehensive desktop experience, and a detailed overview of the mobile app's features. Finally, explore a curated list of additional resources designed to support your academic journey and help you make the most of your online Blackboard courses.
General Information
To ensure a smooth and successful experience, we've compiled general information to guide you. Your Blackboard student orientation is the first step, designed to familiarize you with the platform's features, navigation, and resources available to help you thrive. Understand the technology requirements, which includes ensuring you have a reliable internet connection, a compatible computer or device, and the necessary software. Familiarize yourself with how to succeed online will empower you with effective study habits, time management strategies, and communication skills tailored for the virtual learning environment. Don't forget to explore the convenience of the Blackboard student app, which allows you to access your courses, assignments, and grades on the go. Finally, should you ever forget your login details, a simple and accessible password reset process is in place to quickly regain access to your account.
Before viewing other tutorials please make sure you understand the basics of Blackboard. The basics include logging into GovState's Blackboard, accessing the Global Navigation menu, entering and navigating a course, etc. Please use the Blackboard Student Orientation course (located in your Course List in Blackboard) as another assistance tool.
This course is a non-credit course that is specifically used as a guide for software instruction. However, please note that some Instructors may request the Blackboard Student Orientation completion badge for credit or extra credit.
You should be able to use all of the main features in Blackboard, but certain features may require you to enable a plug-in or update its version.
Open the Technology Requirements page to make sure your device is Blackboard-ready.
In order to succeed online, please stay current, plan for the unplanned, and fit coursework into your schedule.
Open the Ways to Succeed online webpage to learn more.
Please proceed to the App Store or Google Play to download the app. You may search for Blackboard or use the links provided on the Install App and Login web tutorial.
If you forgot your password, you may reset it using the Password Reset Tool.
Username and password issues, even for Blackboard, are handled by the ITS Helpdesk. They can be reached at 708.534.4357 or email help@govst.edu.
Blackboard Learn Web Version
The information below will walk you through some features of the web version of Blackboard at GovState, empowering you to effectively engage with your online learning environment. We'll begin with the fundamental step of logging in, ensuring you gain access to your personalized dashboard. Once inside, you'll learn to navigate the broader Blackboard interface, including discovering your enrolled courses and understanding the layout of the course landing pages. We'll move on to customizing your profile by uploading a profile image and updating your account information, personalizing your presence within the platform. Furthermore, this guide will delve into the core academic tools: mastering the discussion boards for collaborative learning, understanding how to submit assignments, preparing for and completing tests, and utilizing Blackboard Collaborate for live virtual sessions.
These tutorials will discuss multiple ways to log in and log out of Blackboard NewLearn.
Open the Blackboard Login text tutorial and Blackboard Logout text tutorial to learn more.
Starting the moment you log into Blackboard Learn, you’ll have consistent access to Base Navigation’s list of features. The list peeks out from behind the other layers you have open, so you can always access it from wherever you are—even if you’re in a course.
Open the Navigate Blackboard Outside of Courses text tutorial to learn more.
Your profile images will appear in Discussions, Blogs, Journals, Wikis, and group activities. Instructor profile images will appear in the notification modules. If you do not upload an image file, the generic silhouette is used.
Open the Upload Profile Image text tutorial to learn more.
Your profile includes your full name, pronunciation, and email address. All of these options are editable, in the event any of these change.
Open the Change Account Information text tutorial to learn more.
This tutorial will discuss how to enter and navigate a course. If you are working from a device with a smaller screen width, you may encounter the mobile responsive design theme.
Open the Enter and Navigate Courses text tutorial to learn more.
The discussion board tool is used for sharing thoughts and ideas with other individuals in your course. This tool can be accessed through the Discussion Board left navigation menu link, or within the Course Content menu link, which may contain learning modules, folders, or lesson plans.
Open the Discussion Board text tutorial to learn more.
Assignments can be accessed through the Assignments left navigation menu link, or within the Course Content menu link, which may contain learning modules, folders, or lesson plans.
Open the Assignments text tutorial to learn more.
Quizzes, exams, or tests can be accessed through the Quizzes and Exams left navigation menu link, or within the Course Content menu link, which may contain learning modules, folders, or lesson plans.
Open the Tests text tutorial to learn more.
Blackboard Class Collaborate is GovState's web conferencing software. Use Class Collaborate to watch prerecorded lectures from your Instructor, access live lectures to interact with other members of the course, access virtual office hours or just to communicate with other members in the course.
Open the Class Collaborate text tutorial to learn more.
Blackboard Learn Mobile App Version
The Blackboard mobile app offers a streamlined and convenient way to stay connected to your courses, no matter where you are. Designed to mirror the functionality of its web counterpart, the app puts essential academic tools right at your fingertips. You can easily navigate through your course pages, accessing and contributing to discussion boards to engage with classmates and instructors on course topics. Urgent announcements or upcoming deadlines for assignments and tests are readily visible, ensuring you never miss an important due date. Furthermore, the app provides seamless access to Class Collaborate, allowing you to join live virtual sessions, participate in real-time discussions, and collaborate with your peers without being tied to a desktop computer. This mobile version transforms your smartphone or tablet into a portable learning hub, making it easier than ever to manage your studies on the go.
To login to the mobile app, please make sure to search and select "Governors State University". Login with the same GovState credentials (the same as the web version of GovState Blackboard Learn, myGSU portal, and GovState email)
The discussion board tool is used for sharing thoughts and ideas with other individuals in your course. This tool can be accessed through the Discussion Board left navigation menu link, or within the Course Content menu link, which may contain learning modules, folders, or lesson plans.
Open the Discussions web tutorial to learn more.
Assignments can be accessed through the Assignments section, or within the Course Content menu link, which may contain learning modules, folders, or lesson plans.
Open the Assignments web tutorial to learn more.
Quizzes, exams, or tests can be accessed through the Quizzes and Exams section, or within the Course Content section, which may contain learning modules, folders, or lesson plans.
Please note that depending on the type of Test, you may be prompted to access the web version of Blackboard Learn.
Open the Tests web tutorial to learn more.
Class Collaborate is one of GovState's web conferencing software. Use Class Collaborate to watch prerecorded lectures from your Instructor, access live lectures to interact with other members of the course, access virtual office hours or just to communicate with other members in the course.
Please note that if you are promoted to the Presenter or Moderator role, Class Collaborate on a mobile device does not support Application Sharing.
Open the Class Collaborate web tutorial to learn more.
Additional Resources
This section is dedicated to providing you with supplementary resources to enhance your understanding and utilization of Microsoft 365 and mobile hotspot technology. Whether you're looking to deepen your knowledge of the comprehensive suite of cloud-based productivity tools offered by Microsoft 365, or seeking practical guidance on leveraging mobile hotspots for seamless internet connectivity on the go, this compilation aims to equip you with the information you need. Explore links to official Microsoft documentation, helpful tutorials, and expert tips that will empower you to maximize the benefits of these powerful technologies.
This tutorial will discuss where to download and access support for Microsoft Office 365 and where access support.
GovState does manage Microsoft Office 365. For more information, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 708.534.4357 or email help@govst.edu.
Using your smartphone as a wireless access point will allow other devices to connect to the internet.
Open the Mobile Hotspot for Android text tutorial or Mobile Hotspot for iPhone text tutorial to learn more.
For more information regarding mobile hotspots, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 708.534.4357 or email help@govst.edu.
Contact Us
- Center for Teaching & Learning
- Governors State University - C Building
- 708-534-4115
- blackboard@govst.edu