What is Blackboard and how might you use it...

Blackboard is a "learning management" software application with two primary purposes at UST.  First, it powers the MyUST portal, a web-based tool that provides a variety of university-related information, resources, and links. Second, it is used by faculty to deliver content and instruction via the web in the form of a Blackboard "course".

How each faculty member chooses to use Blackboard is up to the individual and the particular course. Faculty use Blackboard so that students can:

• Access handouts, assignments, slide presentations, and multimedia class materials on the web at a single location
• Engage in web-based learning activities, extending the classroom's boundaries
• Easily link to external Web sites
• Use the asynchronous discussion board to engage in discussion, prepare for a rigorous discussion in the classroom and to carry on the discussion after class
• Work collaboratively and independently in small groups using the virtual group space area

Blackboard Courses
Every class at St. Thomas has Blackboard class site automatically created and all enrolled student accounts are automatically brought in to the class sites.

Blackboard relies on our student record system (Banner) and on our authentication system (NT, the same used for UST email). This means that if the class is not entered or a student is not enrolled in the student information system (Banner), then the Blackboard resources for that class will not be available for students or faculty. Additionally, if students or new faculty do not use their UST username and password they will be unable to log in to the Blackboard Portal, MyUST or their class site.

Blackboard Pre-Production Courses
A Blackboard course site can be requested for testing and pre-production purposes. Students are not automatically enrolled in these sites.

Blackboard Community Sites
Blackboard Communities, also called "organizations" are intended for use by formal and informal organizations within the university for information sharing, collaboration and communication. Request a Community Site.

Blackboard Guest Accounts
Guest accounts can be requested for individuals who do not have a UST username and password. Guest accounts must be manually enrolled into courses and community sites. Request a guest account.