Blackboard Frequently Asked Questions

8/18/09

QUESTION 1:  What is my username and password to access my Blackboard course?

ANSWER 1: As a student, your username is your first initial of your last name (capitalized) followed by your seven (7) digit student ID number. Your default password is your birthday: two digit month, two digit day, and two digit year (same as WebAdvisor login.) Note: If your login ID is not working and you have changed your last name, try substituting the first letter of your new last name in the username field.  Important: Your account gets locked if you enter the wrong password more than three times.

QUESTION 2: Can I change my password?

1. You can change the password yourself  via WebAdvisor by choosing the Change Password option after you log into WebAdvisor
2. You can request that the HelpDesk RESET your password to the default password (birth date) by contacting us at helpdesk@yccd.edu  
3. You are strongly encouraged to change your password from the default password for added security. DO NOT share your password with fellow students.

 

QUESTION 3: What type of system, browser, and plug-ins will I need for Blackboard?

ANSWER 3: There is a link to “Check Browser” utility on the login page of Blackboard. This utility will check your system and let you know if your system, browser and plug-ins are compatible with Blackboard. If the utility finds anything missing, it will provide a link to download that specific plug-in. Note:  Some courses may require more specific plug-ins or software; details to such software will be provided within that course.

Questions 4: What are other common types of technical issues?

1. Pop-up Blockers – This is a big one. Symptoms of this problem will be difficulty opening email messages, chat windows, exams, and/or assignments.  To avoid this issue, you should add your Blackboard server to your browser’s trusted sites. Instructions follow; the URL  you want to allow is http://elearning.yccd.edu:
1. Instructions for Microsoft Internet Explorer - http://surfthenetsafely.com/ieseczone7.htm
2. Instructions for Mozilla Firefox - http://www.webmasterworld.com/forum10/12098.htm

Note: Frequently, toolbars in Google, Yahoo, etc have pop-up blocker bulletins which can over-ride software settings. In this case, you have to choose the ‘allow’ option to allow pop-ups from the http://elearning.yccd.edu  URL.
Hint: If your pop-up gets blocked, generally your computer will make unexpected sounds such as ‘ding’ to indicate something happened in the background. An alternative is to try holding the ‘Ctrl’ key while clicking on the link.  This temporarily allows the pop-up to open.

1.   Log in issues:
1. If you experience log in issues when trying to log into http://elearning.yccd.edu from your Favorites list. Bookmark http://www.yccd.edu/de then log in via the Blackboard log in button.
2. If you experience log in issues, try changing your password in WebAdvisor and try the login again at the Blackboard login page.
3. If you continue to experience login issues, verify that your course is offered in Blackboard, not WebCT, by checking the “Courses” list on the DE webpage or the Blackboard login page.

JRE (Java Runtime Environment aka JAVA Plug-in) can prevent the whiteboard, chat rooms and HTML Creator tools from opening or related issues. Uninstall and reinstall JAVA on your system will likely solve the problem on your computer.  Instructions are located at: http://webct.ipfw.edu/troubleshooting/uninstalljava.shtml

IT Helpdesk:

To contact us, send Email to helpdesk@yccd.edu or call 530-741-6981.