Frequently Asked Questions

How do I log-on to Blackboard?

Enter your username and your password as described below:
·         Username: First initial-last name and the last four digits of your social security number (no spaces). 
·         Password:  First initial-last name and the last four digits of your social security number.
·         Example:    Username: jdoe1234 and Password: jdoe1234.

How do I change my password in Blackboard?

When entering your course for the first time please change your password. You can change your password by going to TOOLS > PERSONAL INFORMATION > CHANGE PASSWORD.

If you forget your password, the Blackboard Administator will have to reset your password back to the default listed above. The secret question does not work. 

When I log in to Blackboard, I don't see my class listed.

Please be aware that many instructors do not use Blackboard at all, or do not make their course sites available to students until after the semester has started. If you aren't certain whether your class is going to be using Blackboard, please speak with your instructor.

How do I know if I should take an online/hybrid course?

Online courses are especially beneficial for students who require a flexible schedule, need to reduce travel to a campus, or enjoy learning online.  However, success in a Web-based course requires certain skills.  You should speak to your advisor about this and consider the following questions: 
¦ Do you have Internet and Microsoft Word/Abode Reader on a home computer? 
¦ Are you comfortable using Microsoft Word and an Internet browser? 
¦ Are you self-motivated? 
¦ Do you possess a high level of self-discipline? Are you a good reader and capable of easily following written instructions?

How do I begin my Bb course when school starts?

Before you can access your on-line course at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, you must be registered for the course and the Information Technology Department will have to enroll you in your Blackboard Section. No student can access their course in Blackboard without first being enrolled. The following information will allow you to determine when you can enter your course.
 

All tuition and fees must be paid prior to the first day of class.

Once you register and pay for your course(s), you should then have access to your course within 24 to 48 hours. If students register for a course during the drop/add period then you will not be able to login in until the drop/add period is over. This is normally 4 to 5 days after regular registration.You should login to Bb and click on your class. When your class opens, click on the “Start Here” module. The instructor will direct you on where to begin and how to proceed with the course.

What should I do if the internet goes down during my exam?

If you lose internet access during an exam, don't panic.  When you are able to get back online, if the time has expired, or the exam is "locked up", the first thing you should do is email the instructor.  Just explain to them the situation and they can reset the exam for you.  In most cases, the instructors will have already been notified of an outage and will be aware of the problem. 

Why can't I access the chat rooms?

You may have one or more pop-up blockers on, you might not have enough Random Access Memory (RAM) OR you may have too many windows open (close all programs other than Blackboard and Chat).

Why does it take so long to save a test answer, or why doesn't it save at all?

You may have the correct version of java on your computer. To make sure you have the correct version, log in to BlackBoard, look for "Campus Announcements" located underneath your course listings, then look for the message entitled “Installing and Maintaining the Correct Version of Java”.

You will have to uninstall all other versions first (the message tells you how), then click on the link to download and install the correct version. Once finished, re-boot your computer. And remember, do not upgrade the java after it is installed.

You also may not have enough RAM (1 or 2GB recommended) OR you may have too many windows open (close all programs other than Blackboard and the test).  You can go to the next question as soon as you hit "save answer."  When the red dot on the saved answers grid turns to a green check, your answer is saved.

I just recently dropped a course. Why does it still appear in Blackboard?

Students are not automatically deleted from Blackboard. In order to be removed from a Blackboard course, you must contact the instructor to manually remove you.

Whom do I contact for help with other problems?

Contact your instructor first with problems with assignments, discussion boards, or other course requirements. For login problems or technical problems you may contact any of the following:

Person                         Phone #              Email Address                 Campus

Will I be required to come to the campus for a test or a lab?

Attendance on campus depends upon the instructor. You should contact the instructor in advance for this information. Times and dates for attendance can also be found in the tabloid. All hybrid classes require attendance one day a week.

I submitted an assignment, but the instructor cannot find it.

The Assignment interface has a "Save" and a "Submit" button. "Save" means that you will continue to work on the assignment, and will retain the ability to withdraw, add, or replace files. Once you click "Submit", you can't do this anymore, and can't re-try the assignment either. It is only at this stage that the instructor sees your assignment as submitted and can download it for grading. So go back in and click "Submit"!

I added a file to the Digital Drop Box, but my instructor says that he/she didn't get it. What happened?

Using the Digital Drop Box can be a two-step process. If you use the Add button, you add the file to your own digital drop box only. You must then click on the Send button to add it to your instructor's digital drop box. Alternatively, you can just click the Send button to do both steps together and send the file to both yours and your instructor's digital drop boxes simultaneously.

Why can't I access the chatroom?

If it is the first time you are entering a chatroom you will be asked to accept a Java certificate. Click ALWAYS on the certificate and this will never appear again. Also you must enable Java on your computer and make sure that you are using a compatible Java version. (check Campus Announcements for correct version).

If the LBWCC Website is not available online, that does not mean that Blackboard is down. The systems are linked but are separate. Blackboard keeps running even if My Blackboard Connection is down.

If needed, you can log in directly at the Blackboard entry page: http://cehosting.blackboard.com

Follow the instructions there about your username and obtaining your password.