Getting Started in Online Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Blackboard and Central Arizona College Online Learning. You will find the answers to common questions below:

Using Blackboard

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is the course management system used at CAC (and institutions of higher education worldwide) to assist instructors and students with the online learning process. Blackboard contains all of the materials used in the class - handouts, syllabus, calendars, additional materials that the students might be interested in, etc.. Blackboard also contains discussion board areas, personal (internal to Blackboard only) web pages for the students, file transfer areas between instructor and students (virus scanned files!), and an easy way to send e-mails to the other participants in the class. You can access Blackboard from anyplace in the world with an internet connection.
If you are taking a "regular" face-to-face class your instructor might use Blackboard as a supplement. Blackboard could be used as a place to post the syllabus or as a place to keep the gradebook so that the students know at all times where they stand. Some instructors use Blackboard to store their lecture notes and class materials so that these materials are always available to students.
If you are taking a hybrid class you will meet with your instructor in a classroom setting part of the time. The rest of your class time will be online. The amount of time you will spend in the on-campus classroom or in the online classroom will vary according the class you are taking. (Return to Top)

How do I access my class? How do I log into Blackboard?

The Central Arizona College Blackboard server is located at http://blackboard.centralaz.edu . You can access Blackboard directly at that web address or you can click on "Online Learning" on the Central Arizona College web portal - http://www.centralaz.edu . A video demonstration of the Blackboard login procedure can be found here.
If you registered for your class during early/priority registration, your Blackboard username and your CAC e-mail address will be mailed to you at the mailing address on file in Student Records. Information will also be mailed to those students who registered during late registration or during the drop/add period. However, these mailings frequently do not reach the student until a week or two after the start of class.
Your Blackboard username is firstname_lastname. Your Blackboard username is based on your legal firstname and your legal lastname exactly as written on your schedule. Your Blackboard password is your birthdate in MMDDYYYY format – 8 numbers are required. It is very important that you change your password once you have logged into Blackboard the first time.
You can look-up your Blackboard username and your CAC e-mail address by logging into Online Services. For a video demonstration of this process click here. (Return to Top)

How do I make my computer "compatible" with Blackboard?

The version of Internet Explorer which is built into America Online is not compatible with Blackboard. Most students who use this browser experience problems. For more information click here.
If you are using Windows Vista, you need to use Internet Explorer 7.0, Mozilla Firefox 1.0, or Netscape Navigator 7.1 . When using Windows Vista it is critical that you check your browser settings.
If you are using Windows XP, you need to use Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0, Mozilla Firefox 1.0, or Netscape Navigator 7.1 .
If you are using a version of Windows other than XP or Vista, you need to use Internet Explorer version 5.5, or 6.0, Mozilla Firefox 1.0, or Netscape version 4.78 or 7.1.
If you are using a Macintosh operating system you need to use Apple Safari 1.0 or 1.2, Internet Explorer 5.2, Mozilla Firefox 1.0, or Netscape Navigator 7.1
For a more complete listing of operating system and browser compatibility click here.
It is very important that you do not block the pop-up windows created by Blackboard. If you are using Windows XP more information about setting "safe zones" and pop-up windows can be found here. If you are using another pop-up blocker make sure that you know how to configure that software to allow Blackboard and the CAC e-mail
Java and Cookies must also be enabled . Click this link for instructions on how to check your settings.
It is also very important that you have up-to-date anti-virus software on your computer when taking an online class. A computer virus could interfere with your ability to access your class and could cause you to fall behind. (Return to Top)

How do I turn in assignments?

The requirements for turning assignments will vary by instructor. Some instructors might have you e-mail the assignment. Another instructor might ask that you use the Digital Dropbox or the Assignment Manager. Read your syllabus for complete information on your instructor's expectations. (Return to Top)

Will I be taking any exams, and if so, how?

You will probably be required to take at least one exam in your online class. (Most classes have several exams and quizzes each semester.) Most of the testing done inside of Blackboard. The instructor will give you a time during which the test will be available. Occasionally students are required to visit one of the testing centers (located on each campus) to take a proctored exam. Again, read your syllabus to get more information on how your instructor will conduct testing. (Return to Top)

What does " recommended " or " compatible " browser mean?

The "recommended" browsers have been certified by Blackboard Learning Systems. They are fully tested and supported. If your computer is correctly configured for cookies, java, and pop-ups you should not experience problems when using Blackboard.
The "compatible" browsers have been tested by Blackboard Learning Systems in all of the high use areas. These browsers have not been tested as fully as the "recommended" browsers. It is possible that you might experience some difficulty when using Blackboard.
The complete list of recommended and compatible browsers is located in the Hardware and Software Requirements section of this Guide. (Return to Top)

The Internet connection always disconnects after the same amount of time. I keep getting kicked out of exams. What is wrong?

The Internet Connection Properties on your dial-up connection are set to disconnect after a certain amount of time. Go to Checking Your Internet Connection Settings for more information.
IMPORTANT: America Online automatically disconnects after 46 minutes of idle time. This setting is part of the America Online system and you cannot change it. (Return to Top)

Blackboard doesn't seem to work correctly - especially in Quizzes and Exams. The buttons and menus are not "right". What do I need to do?

Check your browser settings. Make sure that JAVA and Cookies are not blocked.
If you have America Online do not use the AOL Browser. Connect to AOL and then minimize the AOL Browser. Open Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Firefox and then log onto Blackboard. Also, If you have MSN do not use MSN Explorer.(Return to Top)

The text in Blackboard is too small to read! I can't read the information that my instructor has posted. Or, the text in Blackboard is so large that I cannot see all of the information on the screen.

When the type in Blackboard is too tiny and/or blurry to read you will need to check your Internet Explorer settings.
Double check your version of Internet Explorer:
Click on Help, About Internet Explorer.

Version: Make sure the Version number is 6 or 7 The rest of the numbers can vary. If you are using Windows XP you must have Internet Explorer 6. If the version number is 5... you might want to consider upgrading your Internet Explorer.
Cipher Strength: Should be 128-bit
Update Versions: Should at least have SP1

Check your Text Size Settings:
Click on View, Text Size
In order for text to display correctly in Blackboard, the text size should be set to Medium. If the Internet Explorer text size is "smaller" or "smallest" the the text in Blackboard will be too small to read. If the Internet Explorer text size is "largest" the text in Blackboard will probably be too large for your monitor's display area.
The Internet Explorer text size can accidently be changed when using a mouse with a scroll button. If the Ctrl key on the keyboard is held down while using the scroll button on the mouse, the text in the Internet Explorer window will increase or decrease in size. (Return to Top)

What is a "Virtual Classroom" and how do I use it?

The virtual classroom is communication tool that some instructors may choose to use. Unlike discussion boards, The virtual classroom in Blackboard is synchronous, meaning it takes place in real time, and uses a both chat and electronic white board areas. It is almost like having a class discussion except that it is written rather than oral.
The screen is broken into a few sections. One will be where you enter what you want to "say." You type your text in the area provided and then type the Enter key on your keyboard. (In the picture above, this is the section at the very bottom that has a red circle around it.) The section just above it, in this example, will show everyone's comments, including your own. The very top section is the electronic white board section where you can draw things. (Return to Top)

What are discussion boards and how do I use them?

Discussion boards (also known as forums) are a way of carrying on a conversation with people over the Internet. This form of communication is called asynchronous because it is does not take place in "real time." One person might post a message to the discussion and someone may reply to that message a few hours later. It is sort of like e-mail that everyone can read and which doesn't go away. Some of the instructors may choose to use this type of communication in their online class.
While not all discussion boards look alike, they all function similarly. The following shows just one example.
As you can see, it looks vaguely like an outline. You can read any of the messages by clicking on the subject line of the one you want to read. The messages that are the furthest over to the left are the beginnings of new "threads" of conversation. And messages that are indented are responses. So, below, Demo Student started a "thread" with the subject of "Hello Everyone". Then, Temporary Student1 responded to that message. Then, Temporary Student2 responded to Temporary Student2. And, finally, Demo Student responded to Temporary Student2.
It's a bit confusing at first, but you will quickly get the hang of it!
After clicking on and reading someone's message, you can click on the Reply button to create a response. Just type in your subject and message in the spaces provided and then click on the Submit button.
You may need to click on the Reload/Refresh button to see your new response listed. (Return to Top)

Content on this page is provided by Online Learning Support.