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Blackboard FAQ
What information do I use to log in to Blackboard?
To log in to Blackboard, you will need to use your S-ID and PIN# (password). This will be the same information used to access LioNet, and should be received in the mail. If you have not yet received this information by the time courses start, you should contact the Computer Center Helpdesk at 417-659-4444. If you have this information, but still cannot log in, contact the Blackboard Helpdesk at 417-625-9885.
First, make sure that you are using your S-ID and password, and that you are entering the password in all uppercase letters. Students not enrolled in a class that uses Blackboard will not have an account. Use either Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer to access Blackboard. Also, make sure that you have not bookmarked the login page where you enter your username and password, and stop using that bookmark if you have done so. If you are still unable to log in, hit the "Refresh" or "Reload" button on your browser and try again. You will also need to download JAVA if you don't already have it installed.
When will new students be able to log in / see their courses?
New students will not have accounts on Blackboard or be able to log in until (approximately) the week before classes begin. Students will be enrolled in their courses shortly after their accounts are created, but most courses will not be available for students to view or access until the first day of class. Students enrolling after the beginning of the semester will have their accounts created as soon as possible.
Why doesn't the timer show up on my exams?
The test timer should show up in the bottom of your browser, in the Status Bar. First, you will need to make sure that the Status Bar is visible. To do this, open your browser, select View from the menu at the top, and make sure that Status Bar has a checkmark next to it. If this isn't the problem, then you will need to download JAVA. There is no way to tell if this fixed the problem until the next time you take an exam, so be sure to keep track of the time in case it doesn't work.
Why can't I view the class videos?
To access the class videos, you will need to use the same information as used to log on to the campus computers. These usernames will be the beginning of your new LioNet email address, and should be similar to the following: Doe-J001@studentmail.mssu.edu. In this case, your username would be Doe-J001. The password that goes with this will be the same as the password used with your S-ID.
What should I do if my test locks up while I'm taking it?
If your test locks up when you are taking it, then you will need to contact the instructor for that course, and request that they reset the test. The Blackboard Helpdesk cannot reset exams without the instructor's permission, so it is easier to contact the instructor in the first place.
What can I do to prevent my test from locking up?
Make sure that you are using either Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer when taking a test. Custom web browsers, such as AOL's browser, can cause problems. For Vista users, Firefox is recommended. Also, never click more than once on a link to start a test, and hit the Save button occasionally so that if your test does lock up, you won't have to retake the entire test. Dial-up users should make sure that their internet is still connected before submitting or saving a test.
What can I do if my class videos are being cut off at the end?
If the class videos you try to watch from the Streaming Server cut off near the end, then you should attempt to save the videos to your computer first, and then watch them from there. To do this, right-click on the link that opens the video, and select Save Target As. Then choose a location on your computer to save the video to. After it is done downloading, locate it on your computer and open it with Windows Media Player.
Why can't I view the Discussion Board / make new posts?
First, make sure you are using Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer to access Blackboard. If you are doing so and still have problems viewing posts, then you can try turning off the visual text box editor. To do this, click the MSSU (My Institution) tab when logged in to Blackboard, click the Personal Information link on the left side, click Set Visual Text Box Editor Options, select Unavailable, and click the Submit button.
How do I stop the clipboard popup that freezes my exams?
If a popup window about clipboard access comes up when you try to take an exam, open Internet Explorer, click the Tools menu, click the Security tab, highlight the Internet icon, click the Custom Level button, and scroll down the page until you see "Allow Programmatic Clipboard Access". This should NOT be set on Prompt, and should be changed to Disable. Once you change this, be sure to save the changes.
Why is the text so small (or large) on Blackboard?
If the text on Blackboard is either very small, or very large, then you can change this by clicking the Tools menu on your browser, go to Text Size, and set it to Medium.
Contact the Blackboard Helpdesk...
If your question wasn't answered here, or you are still having difficulties with Blackboard, you can contact the Blackboard Helpdesk at 417-625-9885, email them at blackboardhelp@mssu.edu, or use online chat:
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