What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is an online Course Management System (CMS) used by instructors and students for a variety of learning purposes. With a reliable internet connection, users may access the UAF Blackboard system 24-hours a day.

Blackboard enables instructors to post important course documents (such as the Syllabus), assignments, grades, and many other kinds of content and activities. Instructors can also hold asynchronous (delayed response) class discussions using the Discussion Board feature, synchronous (real time) discussions using the Virtual Classroom feature, and students can submit course work using Digital Drop Box or Assignment features. Many faculty use Blackboard to post multimedia course materials, organize students into group activities, gather statistics on student participation, and administer online quizzes and assessments.

Blackboard is an open-source CMS; that is, additional tools can be integrated into Blackboard by installing "Building Blocks." A wide variety of Building Blocks are available from Blackboard, Inc., commercial software vendors, independent programmers and developers, and universities across the globe to expand the functionality of Blackboard.

"How To" Resources

Would you like more information on how to get started using Blackboard? If so, please visit the Blackboard: "How To" page. From Blackboard: "How To" you can find a range of resources for instructors and students.

Blackboard Training

Would you prefer face-to-face training for Blackboard? If so, the OIT Support Center employs the best trainers in the industry. To find out about training opportunities, visit the Support Center Training Calendar today.

Blackboard Support

If you need support, please send your request to the OIT Support Center at helpdesk@alaska.edu or call 907-450-8300 (Toll Free 800-478-8226).