| To ensure problem-free use of Blackboard, follow these steps: Step 1: Verify that your browser is supported -
From the Blackboard Login page, select Check Browser from the upper right-hand portion of the screen. -
A box will display showing the results of the browser check. Items that passed the check will show a "green" checkmark in the box to the left of the item. Items failing the check will be marked with a "red" (x) in the box to the left of the item. Instructions will be provided for correcting the problems so that your browser will function properly. -
The Check Browser should be performed on ALL computers you use when taking your online course(s). Step 2: Make sure that a firewall is not prohibiting your access especially if using a computer on a school or business network Network firewalls: If you are planning on accessing the web and WebCT from any networked computer (for example, most office computers or computers at a K-12 school) you may run into problems with the network security system. Your network support should make sure there are no firewalls or filters blocking the following ports: 8900, 4445, 4567 (UDP) and 4568 (TCP). Personal firewalls: Recent release of anti-virus software come with built-in firewall features that you may not even be aware of. Many broadband Internet users now have a firewall on their home connection. Many home routers have firewalls built-in, but most users have a software firewall. The most common is Zone Alarm. Zone Alarm causes problems with WebCT because it blocks the network ports that WebCT uses. It can also cause a problem because it doubles as a content filter. Zone Alarm can prevent JavaScript or Java applets on websites from working on your browser. WebCT uses both JavaScript and Java for a number of its tools. Note: Even if you enable access to the WebCT site, you may STILL have to disable the anti-popup feature AND disable the anti-JavaScript feature. Here are some quick instructions on how to configure Zone Alarm with WebCT. If you use a different firewall, you will find the same settings on your version. Click here for instructions. Step 3: Understanding the directions for logging on. -
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Enter your username and password. Your username and password is your last name (first letter capitalized), the first letter of your first name (capitalized), and the last four digits of your student ID. The entry fields are case sensitive so it is important to be aware of this. -
You should now see the course(s) in which you are enrolled. -
If Blackboard will not let you log on but does NOT give you an error message stating that your username or password is incorrect, then the problem is that you need to check your browser settings.
Step 4: Learn how to use the Blackboard Tools An online orientation course (Learning Strategies) will be required to be taken by all first time online students. The purpose of the course is to prepare students for the online community that will be experienced throughout the online courses. Students will practice using Blackboard e-mail, discussions board, chat room, assignments tool, quiz and survey tool, and other pertinent Blackboard tools. The course will have to be completed before you will be given access to your other courses. It will take approximately 18 to 24 hours to complete the Learning Strategies course. If you have already taken Learning Strategies and need help using Blackboard, a "Student Orientation" module has been included in each course. Step 5: Know how to get help with Blackboard Within each Blackboard course, students may use the Blackboard Help link located in the upper-right hand corner of their course. Using Plug-ins with Blackboard Some Blackboard courses use browser plug-ins. Go to Plug-ins to find links for plug-ins that you may need for SAU Tech's online courses. Still need help? Mon-Thurs 8:00am-5:00pm and Fri 8:00am-11:00am help by phone: 870-574-4453 or 870-574-4586 or 870-574-4514 24-hour WebCT Server Status Hotline: 870-574-4526 Help via E-mail: wblrng@sautech.edu SAU Tech Web-Based Learning Address:
Center for Web-Based Learning
P.O. Box 3499
Camden, AR 71711-1599
Contacts:
870.574.4453 or 870.574.4586 or 870-574-4514
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