If you're not familiar with the Blackboard terminology used throughout this FAQ page, then review the page A Student's Guide to Blackboard. This document describes the navigation features and terminology of a Blackboard Course Home Page.

• What is my user name and initial Blackboard password?
• What are the technology requirements for using Blackboard?
• How do I make my browser compatible with Blackboard?
• Free Software
• I cannot Add Attachments, how do I fix this?
• How do I save a document as a .rtf file?
• Am I required to have an outside email address to take an online course?
• What happens if I get kicked offline while taking an online test?
• How can I find out if my computer if infected with spyware?
• Who do I contact for technical support?

BLACKBOARD CE 8 Learning system

Blackboard is a leading provider of online course management software allowing educational institutions the opportunity to build a learning community among students and faculty. Online courses can easily be facilitated by instructors and navigated by students for successful accomplishments of learning.

What is my user name and initial Blackboard password?

To access Blackboard:

1. Click the Blackboard image at the top of this page or go to http://neo.concord.edu.
2. On the Log In page, enter your user name and password (see below).
   User names are set as your CU email address prefix. For example: if your CU email address is "jdoe17@concord.edu", your Blackboard user name would be "jdoe17". If you do not have a CU email account, please contact the Help Desk at 5291 or email CU Help Desk.
   Passwords are originally set as your Concord ID number. Blackboard will require each user to change their password upon the first log-in.
3. Once you are logged on you will be at the My Blackboard page, where you should see links to your online course(s).
4. Select the hyperlink of the course name to access your course.

If your class is not listed on the My Blackboard page, contact your instructor to gain access.

What are the technology requirements to use Blackboard?

To be successful in your Blackboard courses, you must have the following:

• Regular access to a computer
• Internet Connection through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) - High-speed connectivity is recommended
• A compatible Internet browser such as Internet Explorer (4.0 or higher), Netscape Navigator (4.0 or higher) or Mozilla Firefox (1.0 or higher). AOL browser is not compatible with Blackboard. See FAQ for Browser Settings to ensure compatibility.
• Access to and fluency using a word-processor program such as Corel WordPerfect or Microsoft Word or WordPad
  

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How do I make my browser compatible with Blackboard?

Java and JavaScript on your browser will need to be enabled. Also, there are certain cookie-handling options that must be set.

Browser settings may be enabled by default. If they are disabled, follow the directions linked below to enable them according to the browser you use to access Blackboard:

Click the name of the browser you use to access Blackboard to view directions:
Internet Explorer (version 4.0 or higher)
Mozilla Firefox (version 1.0 or higher)
Netscape Navigator (version 4.0 or higher)

All pop-up blockers must be disabled for the Concord Blackboard web site in order for the learning environment to function properly.

Most online courses require the use of the following free software:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Flash Player
• Java Virtual Machine
• Power Point Viewer
• Excel Spreadsheet Viewer
• Microsoft Office '07 Compatibility Pack
  

More useful freeware:

• OpenOffice - Office applications suite (i.e slide presentations, spreadsheets and documents)
• GIMP - Image Manipulation Program
• KompoZer - Web Authoring Application
• CLAM - Anti-virus
• Scribus - Document Layout Publisher
• PrimoPDF - PDF Converter
  

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How do I save a document in rich text format (.rtf)?

A basic word processor application is included in Windows ME and later versions of Windows. You may also use Corel WordPerfect or Microsoft Word to save and/or open files in .rtf format.

• Create the document or assignment inside the word processor application.
  
• Click the File menu in the menu bar.
  
• Select the "Save As" option from the pop-down menu.
  
• Give the document a name with no spaces or special characters.
  
• Select Rich Text Format (.rft) from the "Save As Type" drop-down menu
  
• Click Save to save the document in Rich Text Format.

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Am I required to have an outside email address for online courses?

Online instructors typically rely on the Blackboard email tool for communicating with their online students.  However, any email address can be used as a point of contact. Concord University recommends that students use the student email account provided by the university. To obtain this email account please contact the computer center in the Rahall Technology Center.

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What happens if I get kicked offline while taking an online test?

Contact your instructor immediately. Professors are able to verify that you started the test and were kicked off. It is up to your instructor to decide if they will allow you to resubmit. If for any reason they are unable to retrieve this information for making their decision, they will contact the Blackboard Administrator.

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How can I find out if my computer is infected with spyware?

If you suspect that your computer is infected with spyware, AdAware is a free anti-spyware program available as a spyware removal tool. Below are instructions on how to download and scan to check your computer for spyware.

1. Click Ad-Aware to go the site and download the program.
   
2. Then click Run and go through the installation process.
   
3. When the Product Registration box pops up click the Use Free button.
   
4. Run a Smart Scan on your system to check your computer for possible spyware infections.
   
5. It may find “Critical Items” which need to be removed by Ad-Aware. To do this, after it has completed the scan, check the checkbox beside of the Tracking Cookie family (if it exists) under the Privacy Objects tab. If that option is not presented, then your computer is spyware free. Otherwise, continue with steps 6 and 7.
   
6. After checking the check box beside of “Tracking Cookie”, click the Remove command button.
   
7. Then, click Finish.

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Who do I contact for technical support?
CU Help Desk On Campus: 5291 Off Campus or Cell: 304.716.0054 Email: cuhelpdesk	Jennifer Humphries Blackboard Administrator Office: B52, Marsh Library Phone: 304.384.6265 Email: Jennifer
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