Office of Information Technology

Online@UT (Blackboard)

Like e-mail, this is required for some classes. To access, use your NetID and Password.

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is an online learning environment that your instructor customizes to make materials for your class available on the Web. Your instructor may use Blackboard to post online quizzes, give assignments, make lecture notes available, record your grades online, post links to related Web sites, maintain a course calendar, distribute announcements, and much more. Blackboard has a number of communication tools for interacting with your instructor and classmates, including a discussion board and a live chat feature, as well as e-mail and file exchange.

What you need to use Blackboard

You will need a computer with an Internet connection and a Web browser that supports frames and Java, preferably either Netscape 4.0 or later or Internet Explorer 4.0 or later. The computers in the campus labs are pre-configured with the proper software, or you can install the required software on your home computer. You should be familiar with basic Web browsing, including navigating frames and filling in online forms.

Getting Started

Online@UT (http://online.utk.edu) is the starting point for Blackboard information at UT. From this site, you can log in to your account, and view help for first time users. Once logged into your account, you will have access to course content for all courses in which you are currently enrolled, as well as any organizations. You may preview and register for additional courses or organization memberships. You may also set privacy options, and customize your main content page.

Blackboard Help

Student help files are available at Online@UT (http://online.utk.edu) for information on registration, using plug-ins, chat, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Student Manual can be accessed from Blackboard after you have enrolled in a class, by clicking on “Student Tools,” then selecting “Student Manual.”

“Show Me” contains step-by-step instructions for navigating within Online@UT (http://oit.utk.edu/showme/online.html).

Talk to someone! For help installing, configuring, or using Web browsers, free consultation is available in Aconda Court from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also call the Help Desk at 974-9900 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.