Blackboard help
Blackboard is Curtin’s learning management system. To access Blackboard, go to the My Studies tab in OASIS, then click the Blackboard button in the Important Links channel at the top left of the screen.
This section provides comprehensive guides about all of the online tools and functionality which you may encounter in Blackboard while studying at Curtin.
Technology needed for online study
The following system requirements are the recommended minimum computer specifications for online study at Curtin University. You will be using a number of integrated educational software delivery services, including Blackboard Learn™ and Blackboard Collaborate Ultra™.
Hardware Requirements
- Windows PC (7 or higher) or Macintosh OS X (10.10 or higher)
- 4GB RAM (8GB RAM or more is highly recommended)
- 20GB of available hard-drive space
- Screen resolution set to 1280×1024
- Broadband/high-speed uninterrupted Internet access
- Webcam, microphone and speakers (a wearable headset is highly recommended)
Browser Compatibility
It is very important that you use a supported browser when using Blackboard Learn™ so that all unit content and the unit tools display properly. The very latest editions of Mozilla FireFox, Apple Safari, and Google Chrome should work fine on most devices (we do not recommend using Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Internet Explorer is not a supported browser). We recommend installing multiple browsers for use with Curtin technologies.
Should you experience an error message, please try using a different browser to see if you experience the same results.
Browser Plug-ins
At times, you may be required to view and listen to instructional content within your course which will require additional software to be installed. For example, your instructor may upload an audio file for you to listen to, or post a video clip for you to watch. The browser you currently use to access Blackboard Learn™ may not always have the required software (“plug-in”) installed to properly view or play such files. To run a quick browser test, click here to ensure that your browser has the most commonly used plug-ins already installed.
Additional Browser Configuration Considerations
- The latest version of Java should be installed.
- The latest version of Windows Media Player should be installed (PC users only).
- JavaScript and cookies must be enabled.
Working with Blackboard tools
You can easily send email to your lecturer, tutor or other students in your class.
Notifications
Stay on track with what’s happening in your unit.
Journals
Journals are private online spaces where you can post reflections on your work, or on set topics.
Discussion boards
Discussion boards are a great way to keep in touch with your the rest of your class.
- View guide
- Create a post
- Create a new thread
- Reply to a thread
- Organise posts
- View discussion board grades
Wikis – Blackboard
Wikis are collaborative online writing spaces shared by the whole class.
Blogs
Blogs are online spaces where you can post individual blog entries and the rest of the class can read and comment on your posts.
Assignments, My Grades, Quizzes
Assessments on Blackboard
Find out how to submit your assignments electronically through Blackboard .
Online tests, quizzes and surveys
Some online units may contain eTests and quizzes.
Group assignments
If your lecturer has set up group assignments, one member of the group can submit the assignment on behalf of all the members.
My Grades
Use the My Grades tool to access your results and feedback from your lecturer.
Collaborating in groups
Work in groups
If your lecturer has enabled groups and group tools, you may have access to group email, discussion boards and the ability to exchange files.
View guide
Work in groups
Group assignments
Group tools
If you lecturer has enabled groups and group tools, you can email your group or exchange files within it.
View all group tools
Email a group
Exchange files within a group
Customise your group homepage
You can customise the group banner, add modules and change the group colour scheme.
Why aren't my units in Blackboard?
If a unit isn’t appearing in Blackboard it is usually for one of the following reasons:
You cannot view your current units
- Go to the “Home” page/tab and on the “My Units” module, hover then click the gear icon in the top right corner.
My Units
- The “Group by Term” check box allows you to group your units by each semester/term. The units will be categorized by their respective semesters/terms.
- Under “Edit Course List” you can manually set which units will be displayed, what information will be displayed for each unit, and what order the units are in.
- Once you have finished, click Submit.
The unit does not have an online component
Not all units have an online component. Check your Unit Outline to confirm whether your unit should appear in Blackboard.
The unit has not been made available
Units are usually made available in Blackboard 7 days prior to the first day of the study period. However, your Lecturer may choose a different start date. If you have concerns that you are unable to see your Unit, please contact your lecturer.
Your enrolment details are incorrect
If you are incorrectly enrolled in a unit, you will not see the unit in Blackboard. To check your current enrolment:
- Open eStudent (click on the eStudent button on the My Studies tab in OASIS).
- Click Enrolment & Study Plans in the left hand menu. A sub menu will open.
- Click Current Enrolment Details in the sub menu.
- The units you are enrolled it will now be displayed. If your enrolment is incorrect, please contact Curtin Connect.