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Blackboard Overview

Blackboard (Bb) (CMICH login required) is CMU’s learning management system (LMS), which provides a virtual space for teaching and learning. A Blackboard shell exists for each course offered at CMU and provides a way to deliver course materials, complete assignments and tests, and facilitate communication between the instructor and students. 

Blackboard offers a wide range of capabilities, including: 

  • Content Delivery: Instructors can upload materials, create assignments, and track student progress. 
  • Communication: It facilitates communication through discussion forums, messaging, and announcements. 
  • Assessment: Students can take tests and submit assignments online. 
  • Collaboration: Supporting collaborative learning through tools like group projects and online meetings.  
  • Gradebook: Allows for grading of work and providing feedback to students 

Blackboard training  

While intuitive and user-friendly, Blackboard is a complex software system; therefore, to utilize the platform effectively, faculty are strongly encouraged to complete the self-paced Blackboard Fundamentals Workshop found on the Workshops & Orientations tab on the Bb home page: 

Blackboard menu showing workshops & orientation tab

The Blackboard QuickStart Guide can aid you in preparing your course shell for student access and activity. 

See Blackboard Support Resources and Training for further information.