Blackboard Basics

Blackboard is a learning management system that provides a platform for faculty to add and organize course resources for students to access online. 

The SouthArk Blackboard course Web site can be accessed at https://blackboard.southark.edu/

You can also access Blackboard from a mobile device using the free BlackBoard Student app.

As a SouthArk student, you will have a Blackboard account ready for you.

You do not need to be on campus or use an on-campus computer to access Blackboard.
You can use Blackboard anywhere you have a computer with Internet access by logging into your account at https://blackboard.southark.edu/.

Once you log into Blackboard, you will see your courses listed under the My Courses module. Click on Courses on the left-hand menu. 

Follow the link below to read an overview of Blackboard. 

Quick Start Guide for Blackboard 

You do not need to be on campus or use an on-campus computer to access Blackboard.
You can use Blackboard anywhere you have a computer with Internet access by logging into your account at https://blackboard.southark.edu/.

Follow the link below to see the guid on how to navigate within Blackboard Ultra

Naviation within Blackboard Ultra

Personal Information in Blackboard includes the student’s name, address, phone number, and other contact information. Privacy Options may be used to set who can see the student’s Personal Information. You may also setup your Notifications in this area. 

Accessing Personal Information

1. Log in to Blackboard.
2. On Blackboard’s portal page, click on the menu item with your name in the left-hand menu.

Edit Personal Information

1. Once on the Personal Information page, you are able to change your password, your language preference, your privacy settings, your global notification settings and link your personal cloud storage accounts. 
2. In the selection you wish to edit, hover over the link in the box and a pencil will appear. Click on the pencil to make edits. 
3. Make the selections. Click Save. 
4. Once finished, click X to close the window. 

With Blackboard Collaborate, you can meet virtually online with your faculty and classmates, yet engage and interact as if you were in a traditional classroom. Blackboard Collaborate includes two-way audio, multi-point video, interactive whiteboard, application and desktop sharing, breakout rooms, and session recording. These tools are at your fingertips and easy to use. 

Blackboard Collaborate is also a great tool for hosting club meetings or creating a collaborative workspace for members of your community. 

Tips on Participating in a Session

Preparation

• Find a comfortable place with no distractions.

• Plug in your webcam and microphone, if they are not built into your computer. For best results, use headphones with a built-in microphone. 

In Session

• Be sure to join the session 5 – 10 minutes prior to the start.

• Setup your audio and video when you first join a session. 

• Call into the session via telephone if your audio is not working well. 

• Participate in the session by responding to polls and providing feedback to the moderator.

• Raise your hand by clicking the hand icon when you have a question or a comment.

• Use Chat to send text messages to other participants and the moderator during the session.

• Remember that running other applications on your computer can slow your connection to the session.

No. In order to receive or send e-mail messages via Blackboard, you will need to use your SouthArk-provided e-mail account.

Your SouthArk student email is

FFFLLL####@SouthArk.edu
Combine first three letters of first name, first three letters of last name, and last four digits of student ID number followed by @southark.edu.