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Home > Help & Support > Knowledge Base > Teaching & Learning > Blackboard > Blackboard for Faculty & Staff > Student Online Course Tools and Tips

Student Online Course Tools and Tips

Here is a rundown of some of the Blackboard and related technologies you may use in online courses. For study tips and resources visit Learning Services.

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Blackboard Basics
Join our self-paced Blackboard course on the basics of using Blackboard as a student. Select +Enroll button at the bottom-left of the page to begin.

Note: you must already be logged into Blackboard for the link to work.

Notifications
With online classes, you are encouraged to set up additional app push and email notifications from Blackboard. If you have the free Blackboard app installed (and you have logged in at least once), you will automatically receive some push notifications. Even more notifications by email are also available. To set up email notifications, log in to Blackboard, select your name on the left menu, and choose Email Notifications.

> More Information

Blackboard App
Download the Blackboard App for an activity stream of an up-to-the-minute list of important course activity including new content, announcements, and grades. Receive push notifications to stay on top of important course events and due dates.
Blackboard Collaborate Ultra
Blackboard Collaborate Ultra is an online meeting tool for live meetings or watching recordings that may be accessed on computers and mobile devices.

> To find out more and read troubleshooting tips

The group tool in Blackboard may also provide access for student groups to meet online and record presentations if enabled by an instructor.

Ally

Ally helps you to personalize your learning experience by converting your course files into alternative formats that fit your needs, devices, and learning preferences. Transform content and files in your Blackboard courses into tagged PDF, MP3 Audio, ePUB (for book readers), and more.
Kaltura

Kaltura is a media creation and management tool in Blackboard. Students may be asked to create recordings and add them to assignments or discussion boards. Use Kaltura Capture to create presentations or the quick webcam recorder for quick recordings. The mobile app offers quick-record and upload options as well.
Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor
Instructors may require Respondus LockDown when students are taking a test in Blackboard. The test name in the course will end with either:

  • Requires Respondus LockDown Browser
  • (**Webcam**) - Requires Respondus LockDown Browser

Respondus LockDown Browser options

Both require that you download the Respondus LockDown Browser application (available on the Courses page in myMason). If Webcam is required, you will need to have a webcam installed and record yourself taking the test.

> How to Install and Use Lockdown Browser

Help

Contact the ITS Support Center with technology questions. Because each Blackboard course may be set up differently, your instructor can answer questions on which tools will be used.

> Course Technology Resources for Students

Last modified: December 23, 2020

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