FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions
User Name and Password FAQs
Using Blackboard FAQs
Browser FAQs
Using a Mac with Blackboard FAQs
Visiting Campus FAQs
Technical Problems FAQs
FAQ Answers
User Name and Password Answers
- What is my Blackboard User Name?
Your User Name is the same as your login
to the Harper Student Portal. It is typically
the first initial of your first name, an
underscore, and your entire last name.
Note: You may also have a number added
right after your last name if you have the
same first initial and last name as someone
else attending Harper College.
Check https://student-self-service.harpercollege.edu/idlookup/MainPage.jsp to
find your exact login if you are not sure what it is.
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- What is my Blackboard Password?
Your initial Password is your birth date in
the MMDDYY format. For security, change your password after you log in for the first time.
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- What if changed my Password and forgot it?
Your Password is known only by you, so it is very important that you choose one that you can remember easily. If you do forget your Password or your Username, please contact Blackboard Technical Assistance immediately for help.
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- Is my Blackboard Password the same as my Library Password?
No. Your Blackboard password is different from your Harper College Library Password. Information regarding your library password can be found at the following Web site: http://prox1.harper.cc.il.us:2048/login
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- Is my Blackboard password the same as my Harper College email password?
No. Your Blackboard password is different from your Harper College email password.
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- Can you help me log into my Westlaw account?
Please contact Sarah Stark, the director of the Department of Instructional Technology, regarding all Westlaw issues:
Telephone (847) 925-6805 Email: Sarah Stark
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Using Blackboard Answers
- During what hours will my course Web site be available?
One of the benefits of a distance learning course is that you can login to class any time from any place. This means you can have access to your course 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There may be occasional times when your course Web site is unavailable due to technical problems beyond your professor’s and Harper College’s control. If you find that your course is unavailable, contact your professor immediately so she/he can alert technical support that there is a problem.
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- How many times a week do I need to log in to my course Web site?
Class participation requirements vary by professor. You should generally log in at least three times a week to check course announcements and to work on course assignments. Remember to plan your time wisely and complete your work on schedule. Many students have found that setting aside a block of time at least three times a week for distance coursework helps them stay on top of assignments. Use the Time Management Calculator to help you determine if you really have time in your life to take an online course.
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- What email address is used in Blackboard?
Your professor may send you information directly related to your course via email. To ensure privacy and to make sure you get all email sent to you, your Harper College e-mail account is used.
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- Why don't I see my course listed on my Blackboard welcome page?
If you are able to login but don't see your course(s) listed, find out how to self-enroll by viewing the tutorial.
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- On some pages I get a message asking if I want to trust a certificate from DesignScience, Thawte Consulting, or Blackboard. Should I trust the certificate warning messages that pop-up when I'm using Blackboard?
Yes. You may get messages on your screen about trusting (or accepting, or running) an applet that is a third-party product used by Blackboard. If you choose to "Always trust" content from the publisher, the message should not re-appear. If you do not trust the content then you may have problems running certain features in Blackboard.
When you open a Blackboard page that has a text editor box, you may receive a message that the certificate has expired. To resolve this, first make sure the “Always trust” option is selected (if available), then click on the Run or Trust button.
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- What is the problem when I cannot respond to discussion boards and/the digital-drop box because there is no text editor?
There is a known issue that occurs when one attempts to use Blackboard, Windows Vista, and Internet Explorer 7. This can be easily fixed by performing a few simple steps:
- Log into Blackboard
- Go to Personal Information hyper link on the welcome page. A new screen will open.
- Click on Set Textbox Editor Option Hyperlink
- Set to Unavailable by clicking radio button next to the word “unavailable”
- Click on the Submit button.
- Click on the OK button.
If this does not remedy the problem you may wish to download, install and use another web browser such as Mozilla FireFox.
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Browser Answers
- What browser is recommended?
Many individuals find that Mozilla Firefox works well with Blackboard. Firefox is available as a free download from http://mozilla.com/firefox.
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- Can I use America Online (AOL) as my Internet Service Provider?
You can use AOL as your Internet Service Provider, but you should not use the AOL browser to access your online course. Connect to AOL, but do not select “Go To Web.” Instead, minimize the AOL window, and then open either Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox to access your online course. Since you are not using the AOL browser, AOL may disconnect you after 45 minutes. To prevent this, open AOL every half hour or so and click on any button, just to make sure the AOL connection remains active.
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- Can I use WebTV?
No, unfortunately you will not be able to access your online course using WebTV.
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- If I have my Internet Explorer security set on "High" will I have trouble with Blackboard?
Yes. You may experience trouble when you log in to Blackboard or you may not be able to use many features such as posting discussion board messages, taking tests, and so on.
To change your Internet Explorer security settings in Internet Explorer 6:
Select Tools > Internet Options > Security Tab.
Select "default level".
Verify that the bar is set to medium or medium low. Click OK.
To change your security settings in Internet Explorer 7:
Select Tools > Internet Options > Security Tab.
Select "Custom level".
Select Medium. Click OK.
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Using a Mac with Blackboard FAQs
- I use a Mac. Will I have any problems?
Mac users must be careful to include the appropriate file extension (such as .doc, .rtf, .ppt, .txt, .gif, .jpg, and so on) when you intend to send files to your instructor or classmates using Blackboard features such as the Digital Dropbox, message attachments or assignment attachments. You will have to manually name the file with a name that includes the file extension. For example, instead of naming a word processed document "Assignment1", name it "Assignment1.rtf" — include the file extension in the name.
Some Mac computers automatically put files you try to download (including audio files) on the desktop. So, after you have selected to download a file by clicking on it you will need to navigate to your desktop and then click on the file again to open it.
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Visiting Campus FAQs
- Do I ever have to come to the Harper College campus?
Campus visit requirements vary by professor. Most professors require an on-campus student orientation session, and many require tests to be taken in the Assessment Center. You may choose to visit the campus for other reasons as well.
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Technical Problems FAQs
- What if I have technical problems or problems with Blackboard?
If you need technical assistance, please contact Technical Support.
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- What if I have other questions?
If you have other questions related to Blackboard, please contact Technical Support.
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