Blackboard at Harper College
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is the course management system used at Harper College. It provides Web space for course materials, including PowerPoint slideshows, Web sites, streaming video and many other electronic formats. Students can view and/or print these materials directly from any computer with an Internet connection.
Is Blackboard hard to use?
Blackboard does not require any special technology skills. Faculty members who are comfortable using email and creating/saving electronic documents in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint find that getting their course materials into the Blackboard course shell is a relatively easy process. Because all Blackboard courses look similar, students find that navigating to locate course materials is becoming automatic as well.
Who is using Blackboard?
Full-time and adjunct faculty are using Blackboard at Harper College. With over 1,000 Blackboard course Web sites now set up, Blackboard is being used for:
- Department areas shared with full time and adjunct faculty for common course material distribution
- Web-based support sites with course materials for on campus classes
- Blended courses
- Teleweb courses
- Online courses
How can I learn more about Blackboard?
The Center for Innovative Instruction offers "Introduction to Blackboard" workshops both at scheduled times and on request throughout the year. Visit the Blackboard Workshop page to see which workshop fits your schedule or call 847.925.6586 to request an individual session.
Is technical support available if I choose to try Blackboard?
CII provides technical support for faculty who are using Blackboard. This support can be accessed by telephone, email, or by a scheduled individual visit to the CII office area. Faculty workshops offered throughout the year include detailed information on use of specific areas of Blackboard as well, and weekly "How Do I...?" tips are sent via email to all faculty Blackboard users.