Blackboard FAQs

What are the computer requirements for Blackboard CE 8?

To use Blackboard CE 8 you will need a computer that has an Internet connection with a web browser such as Internet Explorer 5 or higher, Firefox, or Safari. You will need to perform a Browser Check to see if cookies, pop-up windows, and Java are enabled on your computer. It will also verify that the Java virtual machine version you are using is supported. For more detailed information on Browser Pop-up blocker settings go to http://dmc.utep.edu/Blackboard CE 8/CE8/00/04.html.

Do I still have to request a shell for Blackboard CE 8?

Yes, that process still must occur. You can request a shell by going to http://fitlab.iss.utep.edu/FIT_Lab/Blackboard_CE_8_Shell_Request.html and filling out the form. However, when your department is scheduling the courses in Banner (when scheduling is open, prior to the paper booklets being printed) they can set the Instructional Method Code to “TEC, Hybrd, or Webb” so that a Blackboard CE 8 shell will be created automatically when the shell creation build is run. The date when this job is going to run will be posted under Campus Announcements in Blackboard CE 8.

Will we have 24/7 Tech Support?

No. 24/7 Tech Support is only available if you are teaching a UT TeleCampus course.

Where can faculty get help?

Faculty can get help by clicking on “Help” when they are in Blackboard CE 8. An on-line tutorial can be found at http://dmc.utep.edu/blackboard/CE8/index.html, podcasts and other materials can be found at http://fitlab.iss.utep.edu/FIT_Lab/Blackboard_CE_8.html and of course Faculty are always welcomed at the FIT Lab UGLC Room 302.

How do I log into Blackboard CE 8?

Blackboard CE 8 is part of single sign-on so you would go to http://my.utep.edu log in as you normally would then click on Blackboard instead of WebCT.

How will the migration to Blackboard CE 8 take place?

If you have a class that is flagged as “WEBB” or “Hybrd” or “TEC” in Banner as of May 26, 2009, your class is on a list for migration. The migration process is as follows:

         1. Faculty will be notified that their course migration will start the following week. This gives the faculty a chance to clean up or get rid of any old or no longer used files or content in their WebCT course.
         2. The following Monday there will be a Blackboard Basics class available to the Faculty and they will meet with the student staff member who is migrating their class.
         3. Tuesday – Thursday the class is migrated
         4. On Friday the Faculty will meet with the student staff member to go over the changes that occurred in the migration and any questions the student/faculty may have.

If you have not been contacted by Mid-July please email the FIT Lab at fitlab(at)utep(dot)edu requesting assistance in migrating your class(s). We will need the 5 digit CRN numbers for your classes and your contact information.

You will also find step-by-step instructions on the FIT Lab web page:

http://fitlab.iss.utep.edu/FIT_Lab/BB_CE_8_Other_Resources.html