Blackboard is a learning management system that provides a platform for faculty to add and organize course resources for students to access online.
The SouthArk Blackboard course Web site can be accessed at https://southark.blackboard.com/
You can also access Blackboard from a mobile device using the free Blackboard Student app.
As a SouthArk student, you will have a Blackboard account ready for you.
Log in using your SouthArk Username and Password
Username
FFFLLL#### - Combine first three letters of first name, first three letters of last name, and last four digits of student ID number.
Password
SA*777999999- SA* followed by your 9-digit student ID number.
Once you log into Blackboard, you will see your courses listed under the My Courses module. Click on Courses on the left-hand menu.
You do not need to be on campus or use an on-campus computer to access Blackboard. You can use Blackboard anywhere you have a computer with Internet access by logging into your account at https://blackboard.southark.edu/.
No. In order to receive or send e-mail messages via Blackboard, you will need to use your SouthArk-provided e-mail account.
Your SouthArk student email is
FFFLLL####@SouthArk.edu
Combine first three letters of first name, first three letters of last name, and last four digits of student ID number followed by @southark.edu.
Introduction to Blackboard learn with the Ultra Experience
Edit Your Profile in Blackboard
Activity Stream within Blackboard Ultra
The navigation menu is located on the Left-hand side in Blackboard.
Institution Page - Find information about SouthArk
Profile - Make changes to your online persona
Activity Stream - See up-to-the-minute action for your courses
Courses - Navigate to past, present, and future courses
Organizations - Access the organizations which you are a member
Calendar - View course events and due dates for your courses
Messages - View and send messages in your courses
Grades - Check your grades for all courses
Tools - Access global functions that are outside of a course such as portfolios or the Content Collection
Sign Out - Sign Out of Blackboard
The word Assessments in Blackboard refers to quizzes, tests, and surveys.
Make sure when it is time for you to take an online quiz or test that you use a computer in which you have run a Browser check. You want to ensure that your computer and internet browser settings are compatible with Blackboard. Furthermore and most importantly you need a high-speed, reliable internet connection.
Click the following to check your browser: Browser Test
Characteristics of Blackboard Assessments
Timed Tests and Quizzes
Instructors have the option of giving students timed online quizzes and tests. If your instructor gives you a timed quiz or test, please be aware that the test timer will start as soon as you click Begin. Time will not stop if the student leaves or closes the test.
Force Test Completion
If an instructor chooses to give students a timed test, then the instructor also may choose to force test completion. That is, in the event that a student is taking a test and time expires, the test will be automatically submitted. For example, if you have thirty minutes to take a test, Blackboard will automatically close the test after thirty minutes even if you have not finished. Any questions for which you did not provide answers will be given a score of 0 points.
Test Presentation
Instructors can choose to present all their test questions all-at-once or one-at-a-time.
Backtracking Prohibited
If your instructor chooses to only present their test questions one-at-a-time, they may decide to prohibit backtracking. For instance, once you select an answer for a question, submit your answer, and the next question is prevented, you will be unable to go back to the previous question.
Test Passwords
Whether or not you are taking a test with Respondus Lockdown Browser, your instructor may require a password. If you instructor requires both Respondus Lockdown Browser and a password, you will be prompted for the password after you open Respondus Lockdown Browser and open your test. If your instructor does not require Respondus Lockdown Browser for your Blackboard assessment, you will be prompted for the test password after you click the Begin button to open your test.
Proctored Exams
Instructors may require you to take a proctored exam. A proctored exam simply means that a student is supervised while taking a test. This could require you to travel to a testing site recognized by SouthArk in order for you to take your assessment. If your instructor requires a proctored exam and you cannot take the test at the site your instructor has designated, then you must make alternate arrangements at the beginning of the semester. You can contact the SouthArk Learning Center to take your exam closer to where you live.
With Blackboard Collaborate, you can meet virtually online with your faculty and classmates, yet engage and interact as if you were in a traditional classroom. Blackboard Collaborate includes two-way audio, multi-point video, interactive whiteboard, application and desktop sharing, breakout rooms, and session recording. These tools are at your fingertips and easy to use.
Blackboard Collaborate is also a great tool for hosting club meetings or creating a collaborative workspace for members of your community.
Tips on Participating in a Session
Preparation
- Find a comfortable place with no distractions.
- Plug in your webcam and microphone, if they are not built into your computer. For best results, use headphones with a built-in microphone.
In Session
- Be sure to join the session 5 – 10 minutes prior to the start.
- Setup your audio and video when you first join a session.
- Call into the session via telephone if your audio is not working well.
- Participate in the session by responding to polls and providing feedback to the moderator.
- Raise your hand by clicking the hand icon when you have a question or a comment.
- Use Chat to send text messages to other participants and the moderator during the session.
- Remember that running other applications on your computer can slow your connection to the session.
