BlackBoard is a virtual learning environment that has been designed to make navigating a course, finding what you need, and keeping track of your progress, all very easy and intuitive.

You will be automatically enrolled in this course when you register. UTB's BlackBoard Course login site is located at:
http://myutbtsc.blackboard.com

To login to this course click on the LOGIN button. Follow the instructions given on your "My UTBTSC" homepage to find out your user/password. The rule of thumb is: Your username is the first letter of your first name and the first letter of your last name, in lower case letters, and your UTB ID number. Your password is the 4 digit number (PIN) you've been assigned for Scorpion Online. To login you must correctly type your username and password, then click 'Login'.

To enter a course site, select the course name located in the My Courses section of the Welcome screen.

When you enter a course you may first see the Announcements page. The navigation buttons down the left hand side of the screen are used to view various areas of the course. The titles and availability of the buttons can be customized by your instructor so the buttons you see here may be different from other courses you have taken online.

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The horizontal menu bar at the top of each screen in BlackBoard has buttons for "Home"- if you click this, you will be redirected to the UT Telecampus website - "Help"- if you click this, you will be redirected to Technical Support - and "Logout" - if you click this, you will end your session.

Navigation: right below the horizontal menu bar at the top of the BlackBoard screen you will notice 'pebbles': these are the site navigation indicators, telling you where in the course you are located (just like marking your trail with shiny stones so you can find your way out!). Just follow the links backwards to get back to where you were (fast), or use the 'back' button on your browser (not as fast).

The Announcements page is the location where you can find course updates, calendar changes, and answers to questions that may be of interest to you and your peers. Make sure to check this page at least daily!

The Orientation area contains information required to be successful in the online learning environment.

The Syllabus area is where I have placed the course syllabus. It includes all general course information: course description, learning objectives, grading criteria, required texts and equipment, assignment and testing policies, and disabilities information.

The Course Modules area contains all of the course materials and instructions. Your text is a self-programmed learning tool, and I have arranged the readings and assignments here to maximize your learning. There is also required content in some modules that is not found in your text.

The Calendar contains progress markers, and exam dates.

The Tests area contains all of the quizes and exams for this course. Some tests will be available only on SPECIFIED DATES and for SPECIFIED TIMES. You must watch the Announcements to get the information on when a test will be available, and for how long. Times vary by section. You must check this yourself; do not depend on other students to give you this information.

The My Messages area contains areas where you may compose an email message to me (Instructor) or to your peers.

The Chat Room is a synchronous chat area, meaning that you may converse in "real time" with me during my virtual office hours, or with your peers whenever you decide to meet online.

The Student Tools area contains many helpful 'extras' including: online dictionary and thesaurus, student manual for help with BlackBoard, a link to check your grades in this course, and a personal address book and calendar.

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Feel free to explore the course site. Try using the different tools. Don't worry, you won't break anything!

You are welcome to use the chat area at your convenience to network with your peers. Please keep the discussion to school-related subjects.

The university department of distance education has published a free manual for help in using the features of "MYUTBTSC", including Black Board. It is available free at various locations in buildings all over campus.

Remember, technical problems with the website (can't login, can't navigate, pages won't load, etc) must be referred to Technical Support.

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