What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is a comprehensive online course management system used to support supplemental distance learning at Calumet College of St. Joseph. A blackboard course may include announcements, syllabus, contact information, course lectures, assignments, assessments (quizzes and tests), discussion groups, a virtual classroom (chat), emails to groups or individuals. A student can save electronically course documents in the digital drop box.

How do I use it?
Students access Blackboard via a web browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer, etc.) on any platform (PC, Mac) with Internet access. Point your browser to http://class.ccsj.edu and click User Login. On the Entry Page enter Username and Password. Your username is the first initial of your first name, your full last name and the last five digits of your CCSJ student ID number. For example, Harry Potter's, CCSJ student ID number: 000050629, user name would be hpotter50629. Harry's password would be his full 9-digit CCSJ student ID number, password: 000050629.
If your last name is hyphenated, type it in without the hyphen. Example: Lynn Walker-Jones would be lwalkerjones00000. <If you have a double last name without a hyphen then your username will be both names run together. Example: Ann Van Dyke would be avandyke00000.

If you do not know your CCSJ ID Number, it is located on the top center of your report card or come to the Library and have an CCSJ ID card made. If you have problems logging in, email computerservices@ccsj.edu or call
473-4366. If you have problems or concerns concerning the Blackboard system, contact Blackboard Support at BlackboardSupport@ccsj.edu.

How do I change my password?
You may change your password after you log on. To change your password, on the My Institution Page, under Tools, click on Personal Information and click the link "Change Password".

Are you using an ISP's browser?
If you are using an ISP, such as AOL, you will need to start another browser such as Internet Explorer to access Blackboard. In the past, the AOL browser has tried to insert the AOL user ID and password into Blackboard.

If you are using AOL, establish an Internet connection. Then start another browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape and access http://class.ccsj.edu.

How do I open course documents in Blackboard?
To open a document, move your mouse pointer over the name of the document (the mouse pointer will change to an arrow since it is a hyperlink). Left-click the "Open" button to view the document.

The computer mouse is a device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen. A mouse is a small object you can roll along a hard, flat surface. As you move the mouse, the pointer on the display screen moves in the same direction. A pointer is a small arrow or other symbol on the display screen that moves as you move the mouse. You can select commands and options by positioning the tip of the arrow over the desired choice and clicking a mouse button. (Definition taken from Webopedia at http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/m/mouse.html).

Do I need to enable Java and cookies on my browser?
You must have Java and cookies enabled on your browser to use Blackboard.

To check the settings in Internet Explorer: Start Internet Explorer, select Tools and choose Internet Options. Click the Security tab. Medium level allows you to access Blackboard. If necessary, click on Default level to reset security to Medium.

To check the settings in Netscape: Start Netscape, select Edit and choose Preferences. Click on the Advanced category, and see that you have Java enabled and cookies accepted.

My professor is sending me email from Blackboard. How do I check my email?

You can send email to your instructor or other students from within Blackboard. Click the Communications button on the left side of your screen. Click Send Email and then click on a link to send to all users, all instructors or one or more students. There is no capability to read email from within Blackboard. You can read your email by accessing your web browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer, etc.) and pointing your browser to http://mail.ccsj.edu. Click OK and then type your CCSJ Username and password. Your login information in Email is different than your login in Blackboard.
If you need help with your email login, contact Computer Services Help Desk at 219-473-4366.

What is the difference between the Digital Drop Box and E-mail?

The Digital Drop Box tool enables students and instructors to electronically save documents and to exchange files. A document is not automatically sent to the instructor if it is placed in the drop box through the Add File option. Documents sent to the instructor are stored in the instructor's Blackboard digital drop box account. The documents are not sent to the instructor's college e-mail account.

The Send E-mail tool enables students and instructors to send e-mail attachments to the Calumet College of St. Joseph e-mail account. To learn more about how to use the tools, click on http://www.ccsj.edu/blackboard/helpdocs.htm. Click on the Using the Digital Drop box Feature and Sending Email links.

Students should talk with the instructor before sending an assignment using the digital drop box or email.

How do I delete old email messages in my college email account?

Students, Click here to learn how to delete old email messages. You will not be able to receive email via the Blackboard Learning System if your CCSJ student email account is full.

How do I save an Microsoft Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Access) document in Office 2003 version?

Files created and saved in Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Access, etc.) are given different file extensions when they are saved. Office versions 2003 and older use the familiar .DOC and .XLS extensions for Word and Excel. Office 2007 documents use DOCX and XLSX. Another example would be PowerPoint files. Instead of using the PPT file extension, Office 2007 adds a PPTX extension. Office 2003 programs cannot recognize files created in Office 2007. Students and faculty, Click here to learn how to save your document in Office 2007 as an Office 2003 document. To access instructions on how to save MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint files, click here.