Blackboard Information

Blackboard is an easy-to-use online learning and management system. Using Blackboard's graphical point-and-click interface, instructors can incorporate learning materials from word processing, audio & video, spreadsheets, and presentation files without ever learning HTML.

Features for instructors include:

  • Announcements
  • Content presentation
  • Calendar
  • Threaded discussions
  • Online quizzes, surveys, and gradebooks
  • Audio and video streaming capability
  • Real-time chat and whiteboard
  • Group pages for student team projects
  • Online file exchange

...And so much more.

Who uses Blackboard?

Currently there several hundred SDSU faculty using Blackboard to enhance their classroom instruction or for distance education. They are from every College and almost every Department on campus, and their computer skills range from novice to expert. Over 26,000 students use Blackboard each semester and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many faculty say that they are using Blackboard specifically at the request of their students.

How do I get started?

All first time instructors must receive Blackboard training from Instructional Technology Services or a Certified Blackboard Trainer before they can receive a course web site. Introductory workshops are offered multiple times at the beginning of each semester, then once a month througout the year. Complete information on how to begin using Blackboard along with the workshop schedule and registration information can be found by going to the online support site at http://its.sdsu.edu/blackboard/

What if I need help?

Instructional Technology Services supports Blackboard with a variety of hands-on workshops, one-on-one training sessions, a phone and email Help Desk, and an extensive online help site.

Contact the Help Desk by email at or by phone at 43485. Jon Rizzo, the Blackboard Coordinator, can be reached at .

The Help site has technical and pedagogical tips, a schedule of upcoming workshops and user group meetings and online forms to request course sites and register for workshops. The online help site can be found by clicking on the "Help" icon from within Blackboard or by going to its.sdsu.edu/blackboard

Some of the workshops offered include:

  • Introduction to Blackboard
  • Blackboard Gradebook
  • Blackboard Adaptive Release
  • Creating Assessments in Blackboard
  • Wimba Conferencing and Voice Tools
  • Discussion Boards for Increasing Engagement

The Blackboard Users Group (BUG) provides opportunities for instructors to informally share ideas and techniques, learn new skills, and network with their peers.

For More Information

To learn more, please contact the Blackboard Help Desk at 594-3485 or or visit the Blackboard Help & Support web site.