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An Introduction to Blackboard: Your Online Classroom

Blackboard is Caldwell University’s Learning Management System (LMS) which is an internet-based software that allows students to access:

  • Syllabus
  • Assignments
  • Instructions for readings
  • Announcements
  • Question and answer sessions
  • Access to course materials
  • Online quizzes or exams
  • Chat rooms and threaded discussions

Students enrolled in an online Blackboard course will not have any in-person requirements. All course content such as feedback, communication and quizzes or exams will occur entirely through Blackboard.

Most of Caldwell’s online courses are offered in seven week accelerated sessions that run throughout the year. Online courses can be quickly identified by their section designation:

  • Online Session A – 500 (7 weeks)
  • Online Session B – 500 (7 weeks)
  • Online Session C – 500 (15 weeks)

Time Commitments

Caldwell Online courses are built to be equivalent to traditional face-to-face courses in goals and learning objectives. Students in an online course are expected to work both inside and outside of the online course. The following are approximate hours based upon the type of online course you are enrolled in:

  • 3 credit/ 7 week course: 20-25 hour per week
  • 3 credit/ 15 week course: 9-12 hours per week

If you are enrolled in two 3 credit/ 7 week online courses at the same time, this would be equivalent to a full time job as your time commitment would be between 40-52 hours per week.

What skills do I need?

You will need to be able to:

  • Browse and search the Internet
  • Use Email
  • Navigate to and open files/folders
  • Copy, paste, save and attach files
  • Download and install software of plugins
  • Express your thoughts and ideas in writing
  • Express questions and/or concerns to your professor or advisor
  • Learn independently and manage time effectively

Textbooks and Resources

Textbook information will be listed in the syllabus located in the course information section in the course menu. You will be able to buy or rent textbooks online through Caldwell University’s Bookstore. Attempting to complete an online course without a textbook or required resources is not advisable since discussion questions, assignments and quizzes/exams are based off the readings you are assigned in each unit.

Technical Requirements

Computer:
A standard PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer
Webcam: For activities that require video feedback
Headset or earbuds and microphone: For audio

Software:
Internet browsers, campus recommends Google Chrome
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Microsoft Office (includes Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Windows Media Player

Computer literacy skills:
Basic knowledge of computer hardware and software 
Ability to use a keyboard and mouse
Ability to send and receive email
Ability to install and update software
Ability to save and retrieve files in different formats

Internet Access: 
A stable connection of 56K or greater for eitherWired or Wireless.

Connectivity:
Shared internet connections can impact connectivity. Wireless connections can be impacted by distance from the router and interference from other electronics. Wired connections are recommended.

Note: Microsoft Office is Free to Current/Active students. Should you need a license please contact IT at helpdesk@caldwell.edu from your CU address.