Exploring My Blackboard

What is Blackboard?

When taking a course or program at Bow Valley College, you may have access to what is called Blackboard. Blackboard is an online learning application that allows you to access course materials, assessments (quizzes), grades, calendar, email and class discussions using the internet.

What if I need help with Blackboard?

If you are having a technical problem with Blackboard, please contact our Online Learning Support Helpdesk.
If you have a course content related question, please contact your instructor.
You can also access the Help link. This Help link is located at the top right hand side in Blackboard.

Exploring the Blackboard Layout

What are the different areas of Blackboard?

When you access Blackboard, you should become familiar with the different features that are available. Below is a table explaining these areas.

Blackboard Areas	What it Means
My Blackboard	Find and access your courses.
Content Manager	Add your personal files and access them at a later time. If you add files to this area, always keep a backup copy of your files. When you are finished with your program or course, you will no longer have access to these files.
My Setting	Change your password and view your personal settings.
Help link	Help link for Blackboard.
Log out	To log out of Blackboard.
Course List	Where your registered courses are located.
Campus Announcements	Find important announcements that pertain to Blackboard and Bow Valley College.
Who's Online	See who is online at the same time as you. Students can only view each others names, they can not send chat invites to each other.
Calendar Week	Will display the calendar week from your Blackboard course.
Calendar Day	Will display the calendar day from your Blackboard course.

Will I have access to Blackboard with my program or classes?

This is depended on the program or course that you are taking. For example your instructor may be using Blackboard only for the mail and discussions. Other instructors may use Blackboard for you to complete online assessments. Your course may also be taught entirely online and your instructor may use a variety of tools in Blackboard. If you are not sure if you are using Blackboard with your program or course, ask your instructor.