When to Use?
These are basic instructions for students on how to get started with Blackboard Ultra.
Blackboard Help Documents
Logging into Blackboard
Username Information & Password
Browser Test for Blackboard & Related Plug-ins
Updating your Profile Picture, Personal Pronouns and Pronunciations
Navigating Blackboard
Viewing Grades
Using Messages
Using the Discussion Board
Submitting Assignments
Taking Quizzes or Tests
Procedure
Blackboard Help Documents
Assistance via email: Service Portal
This account is read daily Monday-Friday excluding university holidays.
Assistance via telephone to our Bb Graduate Students: 616-331-2101
After hours/weekends/holidays: If calling the help desk after hours (616-331-2101) callers are auto forwarded directly to Blackboard’s 24 x 7 service.
Blackboard Help Documents: Knowledge Base - Blackboard (gvsu.edu).
Blackboard’s Anthology Company’s website also contains a variety of student help documents
Logging into Blackboard
1. Open your web browser and go to: https://lms.gvsu.edu
2. Enter your username (NOT your G-number) and password and click LOGIN.
A link to Blackboard is also available on the GVSU homepage by clicking on the Bb icon on the top right corner of the page.
Username Information & Password
Your username will be the first part of your @mail.gvsu.edu email address, and your password will be the same as your @mail.gvsu.edu email address. If you do not know your GVSU network username or password information, go to the GVSU IT website and navigate to the FOR STUDENTS menu. Click on password reset.
If you need additional assistance, you can contact the IT Service Desk at 616-331-2101.
Browser Test for Blackboard & Related Plug-ins
Run the Blackboard Browser Checker to test your browser to make sure it has all the necessary plugins and is supported.
Updating your Profile Picture, Personal Pronouns and Pronunciations
Students are encouraged to update your personal settings to include a profile picture, your personal pronouns, and the correct pronunciation of your name. See this Article - Student - Edit Your Profile... (gvsu.edu)
Navigating Blackboard
To navigate Blackboard, use the course menu on the top of your course site. Instructors may put content under learning modules or folders (handouts, PowerPoint files, assignments, discussions, tests and quizzes etc.) scheme.
Course site organized in modules
Course organized by folders
**Note: Instructors can customize their Blackboard course sites to meet individual class needs.
Viewing Grades
To view you grades click on the gradebook menu on top of your course navigation as shown below.
Using Messages
You can send a message to individuals who participate in your course using the messages function. Messages are sent to individual users or to groups of users within the course, such as all Students. The message will be received by the users on blackboard and they will get an email copy on their GVSU email should you select this option.
1. Access messages by clicking messages on the Course Menu
2. Click the plus sign on the top right of the page to create a new message
3. On the message page, click on the recipient’s field to see a list of members in the course and groups then select the desired audience.
4. Type your Message.
5. Optionally, select send an email copy to recipients so as to alert the recipients of the message through their GVSU email.
6. Click Send.
Using the Discussion Board
The Discussion Board allows class members to discuss topics based on a specific initial post. These can be initiated by the instructor or by other students if the instructor allows.
Members can leave responses (and replies to responses) for others to read. Discussions are threads (a thread is an original response and all the replies to that message). Access the Discussion board by selecting Discussions from a course’s menu.
Once you click on the discussion item, you will see threads posted on the discussion. Be sure to look at the participants' column to see how many unread responses and replies are present in this discussion. For each participant, you can see total responses and replies and you can initiate your own responses and replies.
To add a new thread, click on the Type a response field, provide some text in the message area and click respond.
If you want to submit your thread later, click Save Draft instead of respond.
Submitting Assignments
To submit an assignment in Blackboard, click on the module or folder in the content area where the assignment is located. If you are unable to find your assignment, contact your instructor.
Click on the assignment. It will have an icon two ticks and one cross.
A new screen will load where you will see further instructions, a due date, points possible, and a link to view the assessment. Click the view assessment link to proceed.
An area to type comments, a space to write a submission, and the ability to attach a file will open up.
Submission: Click Submission and begin typing.
Click on the paper clip on the submission ribbon to Browse My Computer and select the file to attach.
When finished with your submission, click Submit. Only do this if you have completed your entire submission. Most assignments in Blackboard only allow for one submission. If you want to submit later, click Save and Close. You can then come back to the assignment later to finish and submit it.
Once your assignment has been graded by your instructor, you can view the comments, score, and files submitted by your instructor. This is done by going to Gradebook and clicking on the assignment name. You can also click on the purple comment bubble to view feedback.
Taking Quizzes or Tests
Your instructor will let you know when a test in available and where to find it in your course. Tests can be located under any content area, learning module, or folder.
Before beginning a test, make sure you have a stable internet connection. Do not refresh the page, close the window, or use the browser’s back button while taking a test. To take a test...
- Navigate to where the test is located and click on the name
2. This will bring you to a screen displaying instructions. When you are ready, view assessment. To start the test. Your instructor may choose to have you type a password to begin taking the test. If this is the case, type the password and click Submit to begin the test.
- This will bring you to the questions. If the test is timed, your time remaining will appear at the top of your screen. Each question will display how many points it is worth. Commonly used questions in Blackboard are short answer, fill in the blank, multiple choice, and matching.
- When you are finished with the test select Save and Submit.
- You will then be taken to a new screen confirming your test has been submitted. Press OK at the bottom of the screen pop-up. You may see your score immediately and the results on the assessment menu, depending on the settings your instructor set.
- If you are allowed to take a test multiple times this appears on the assessment menu of the test. After finishing the test, you will be able to take it again. If your instructor did not allow multiple attempts, you will not be able to retake the test.