FAQ's


Q. What's my Blackboard ID?
Your Blackboard ID is the same as your PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia ID. This is always the "w" number. You should have established this # the first time you logged into PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia. It's also printed on your schedule. If you have more questions about, please call the hotline at 209.575.7900 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M - F. If you have any questions about Online Courses, call 209.575.6412, 8 to 5 - M through F.

Q. What's my Blackboard password? Has this changed also?
All Blackboard students MUST now use their 6 digit date of birth as their password when logging into Blackboard. For example a birthday of August 24, 1979 would be: 082479.   Once you login, it is strongly recommended that you change your password!  This can be done using the MyPlaces link in Blackboard.

Q. How come I don't see my Blackboard classes in the MyBlackboard screen?
Students are not added to courses until approximately 5 days before the start of each new semester. Check back on the first day of the semester. If your course or courses still don't appear by the first "official" day of the semester, contact the Online Help Desk at 209.575.6412 or 209.575.7900.  If you recently added an online or hybrid course, it will take 3 to 6 hours for your course to appear once you have paid your fees.

Q. I'm having trouble uploading files to Blackboard. What's wrong?
Most of these problems are caused because users do not have the JAVA Runtime program installed on their machine. The first step is to download and install JAVA. We are currently recommending that users install the JAVA Runtime Player. If you are running the Windows  operating system, you MUST use JAVA version 1.6 (or higher) in order for Blackboard to work correctly.

Once the correct version of JAVA is installed, re-start your computer and login to Blackboard again. You should now be able to upload files. NOTE: If the problem continues, you may have a program like Norton Internet Security that is running in the background and preventing JAVA from running properly. It is generally possible to disable these Security programs or configure them to allow JAVA to run. Check your computer's list of programs and related documentation. You may also call the Blackboard Help Desk and the staff there may be able to assist you.

Q. Why can't I login?

2. Another issue relates to when you added the class. Usually there is a 3 to 6 hour delay in adding students to their Blackboard class roster after adding the class using PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia. If you just added the class, try logging-in again in a few hours.
3. There may be a number of other reasons related to the following issues:

a. Adware and Spware may be interfering with your ability to access the login location or open the login link. If you are using Internet Explorer to access Blackboard, you should download and install an anti-Spyware program such as Spybot Search and Destroy. The program is free and is effective in removing most malicious spyware.
b. Your computer may not be configured correctly for Blackboard.    Be sure to run the "Blackboard 9.1 Browser Compatibility Check".   This link is located right on the system login page, below the area where you enter your Username and Password.   Read and the follow the directions on the Browser Check.   Call the Blackboard Help Desk if you need help resolving any Browser-related issues.

Q. I get a JAVA error. What should I do?
If you are running any Mac OS or Windows XP; Vista; Windows 7 - you will need to be sure to have the following JAVA Runtime installed.    If you're not sure if you have JAVA installed correctly on your computer, use the link below to test your system.  

JAVA Tester

Q. How do I contact my instructor if I'm having a problem with my class?
The first step is to use the email tools found in Blackboard to ask your instructor course-related questions. If you are unable to login to Blackboard, contact the Blackboard Help Desk at 209.575.6412. The Help Desk staff will also be able to provide with your instructor's telephone # if you need to talk to them directly.

Q. How do I add an online class?
Students MUST request an online add card for the class they would like to add. Add cards are NOT available until the first day of the semester. This is true for students who are already on the official Wait List for an online class as well. Once the semester has started, follow the steps below to send an online add card request to the instructor for the class you would like to add.   Students must request an E-Add Card even if they are on the official Wait List!

• Go to PiratesNet or Connect Columbia and click on the link entitled: E-Add Card Request (For Online Classes)
• Near the bottom of the page is the add card form. Select the class you would like to add from the drop-down list, fill out the form carefully and click on the Submit button. Be sure to fill-in the email address field correctly!
NOTE: If the class you would like to add is NOT shown, it means the instructor is NOT adding additional students. Also, be aware that students who are on the official Wait List will receive preference.
• The instructor of the class will contact you via email within 24 hours to let you know if they are able to add you to the class. If they are able to add you to the class, they will give you an add code which can then be used on PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia to add the class.
• Once you have completed the add process on PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia and paid all fees, you will be added to your WebCT class within 6 hours.

Q. Who do I contact in case I am having technical difficulties?
Make sure you have checked the technical requirements for your computer in order to successfully enter the Blackboard classroom.  Perform the Browser Compatibility Test before logging-in to Blackboard.   Make sure you are not receiving any red checks when you run the Browser Compatibility Check.  The Blackboard Help Desk will be able to help you resolve any of these issues.   They can also help you learn how to use any of the Blackboard tools.    However, assignment-related issues are generally best handled by contacting your instructor.

Q. Where can a find a list of browsers supported for use in Bb 9?
This is a moving target since web browsers change as do the various versions of Blackboard.   The link below will take you to a list of currently supported browsers that can be used with Blackboard 9.   MJC Columbia College is currently using Bb 9.1 - Service Pack 7.

Browser Compatibility List

Q. What if I don't understand the class assignments?
Sometimes it can be difficult to understand just what is expected of you in an online class. To ensure that you are going to get the optimum learning experience you may want to print out and read over everything. In developing a sense of community with your classmates you may find clarifying some of the assignments in your online discussions or Emailing a classmate is helpful. If you find that you are still unclear, be sure to let your Instructor know as soon as possible that you are having difficulties. You may find that you are not alone.

Q. What if I haven't heard from my Instructor for a while?
This is rare, but it can happen. Always attempt to contact the Instructor with your concerns first, giving them an opportunity to respond. If the instructor doesn't get back to you witin 72 hours, you should contact the Instructor's Division Office. (The Help Desk can provide you with the phone number.)  Online communities mirror real life and just as in real life there may be something wrong with your Instructor such as an unforeseen illness or technical difficulty.

Q. Where can I go if I need assistance due to disabilities?
There is quite a bit of assistance for those of us with disabilities. Each of colleges will have a Student Services Department that can assist your needs. As an online student it is your responsibility to notify the school that you have special needs. This can be done either via registration or a phone call or Email to the Student Services Department. Here are some online resources that might interest you:

• New Technology for converting Text to Audio files.  http://www.premier-programming.com/TTA/texttoaudio.htm
• Website Free Plug-in for Text to Speech Conversion http://www.speaksforitself.com/speaksforitself/
• A Tool that allows blind and visually impaired users to read any document in Adobe PDF form. http://access.adobe.com/
• National Center for Accessible Media: http://ncam.wgbh.org/cdrom/

Q. How many times should I go to my online class a week?
This is largely dependent upon your Instructor and yourself. Your Instructor will usually give you guidelines concerning mimimal levels of participation and how many times a week you will be required to access course materials.   For many courses, the minimum expectation is that you login and access course materials at least once a week.     Procastination can be a big problem among students taking online courses.  Don't allow yourself to fall behind.    Set up a schedule and stick to it in terms of accessing your course materials and interacting with your fellow students and instructor.

Q. Who do I contact if I am having problems with my Internet Connection?
If you are having difficulties with your Internet Connection you will need to contact your Internet Service Provider. Document what has been happening so when you do talk with them you can review step by step the problems you have been experiencing. When the school site's server is down/being serviced or your online classroom is experiencing problems you will be notified most likely from the Instructor of the host college. This can help you rule out possible reasons for access difficulty.

Q. What can I do if my quizzes and threaded discussions are being blocked by my Pop-Up Blocker?
Pop-ups are all those annoying pop-up windows that appear as you surf the Web. Pop-up stoppers usually have support for both pop-ups and pop-under ads and will kill them even before they appear on the screen.    You should realize however that Blackboard MUST be able to open pop-up windows!     Therefore, it's essential that you allow pop-ups when accessing your Blackboard course materials.   Contact the Blackboard Help Desk for help in enabling pop-ups if you're not sure how to do this.

Q. Should I be worried about downloading a virus?
A virus is a worrisome annoyance and to ensure yourself that you will not be exposing your computer system follow the basic rules: after downloading a file run your antivirus software, do not open file attachments from people you do not know and update your virus software frequently. Here's free antitvirus software called Housecall, suggested by the Rio Hondo Community College District, http://housecall.antivirus.com.  Note: Downloading a file will not activate the virus, running it will, only if it is infected.

Q. Do you have a question about online teaching and learning with Blackboard ?
Your first choice is to always call the Blackboard Help Desk at 575-6412.    However, if the Blackboard Help Desk is closed, Blackboard itself has a question-and-answer service moderated by a dedicated, international community of experienced Blackboard users.   Here you can ask any question at:  https://behind.blackboard.com/s/student/   Inside your online classroom you will also see a HELP link on the  top of the screen.

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If you are unable to login to Blackboard, it may be for one of the following reasons;
1. The most common reason is incorrect use of the Blackboard ID or a wrong password. Make sure you're using the correct "w" number which can be obtained from PiratesNet or ConnectColumbia. If you need to have your password reset, contact the Blackboard Helpdesk at 209.575.6412.

 

 Last Updated 1/6/12