Blackboard help

The new streamlined Blackboard navigation system, Ultra Base Navigation, is scheduled to launch Monday 8 July 2024. Learn more about the new-look Blackboard.

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is Curtin’s learning management system. To access Blackboard, go to the My Studies tab in OASIS, then click the Blackboard button in the Important Links channel at the top left of the screen.

Go to My Studies tab in OASIS

In this section

This section provides comprehensive guides about all of the online tools and functionality which you may encounter in Blackboard while studying at Curtin.

Technology needed for online study

The following system requirements are the recommended minimum computer specifications for online study at Curtin University. You will be using a number of integrated educational software delivery services, including Blackboard Learn and Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.

Hardware Requirements

Windows PC (7 or higher) or Macintosh OS X (10.10 or higher)
4GB RAM (8GB RAM or more is highly recommended)
20GB of available hard-drive space
Screen resolution set to 1280 x 1024
Broadband/high-speed uninterrupted Internet access
Webcam, microphone and speakers (a wearable headset is highly recommended)

Browser Compatibility

It is very important that you use a supported browser when using Blackboard Learn so that all unit content and the unit tools display properly. The very latest editions of Mozilla FireFox, Apple Safari, and Google Chrome should work fine on most devices (we do not recommend using Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Internet Explorer is not a supported browser). We recommend installing multiple browsers for use with Curtin technologies.

Should you experience an error message, please try using a different browser to see if you experience the same results.

Browser Plug-ins

At times, you may be required to view and listen to instructional content within your course which will require additional software to be installed. For example, your instructor may upload an audio file for you to listen to, or post a video clip for you to watch. The browser you currently use to access Blackboard Learn may not always have the required software (plug-in) installed to properly view or play such files. To run a quick browser test, click here to ensure that your browser has the most commonly used plug-ins already installed.

Additional Browser Configuration Considerations

The latest version of Java should be installed.
The latest version of Windows Media Player should be installed (PC users only).
JavaScript and cookies must be enabled.

Working with Blackboard tools

Email

You can easily send email to your lecturer, tutor or other students in your class.

View guide
Sending email

Notifications

Stay on track with what’s happening in your unit.

View guide

Journals

Journals are private online spaces where you can post reflections on your work, or on set topics.

View guide

Discussion boards

Discussion boards are a great way to keep in touch with your the rest of your class.

View guide
Create a new thread
Reply to a thread
Organise posts
View discussion board grades

Wikis – Blackboard

Wikis are collaborative online writing spaces shared by the whole class.

View guide
Create and edit a wiki page
Link wiki pages
View your contribution to a wiki

Blogs

Blogs are online spaces where you can post individual blog entries and the rest of the class can read and comment on your posts.

View guide
Create a blog entry
Comment on a blog entry

Assignments, My Grades, Quizzes

Assessments on Blackboard

Find out how to submit your assignments electronically through Blackboard .

Assignments FAQ
Submit assignments
Assignment grades

Online tests, quizzes and surveys

Some online units may contain eTests and quizzes.

View guide
Take an online test

Group assignments

If your lecturer has set up group assignments, one member of the group can submit the assignment on behalf of all the members.

View guide

My Grades

Use the My Grades tool to access your results and feedback from your lecturer.

View guide
Check your grades
View your discussion board grades

Collaborating in groups

Work in groups

If your lecturer has enabled groups and group tools, you may have access to group email, discussion boards and the ability to exchange files.

View guide
Work in groups
Group assignments

Group tools

If you lecturer has enabled groups and group tools, you can email your group or exchange files within it.

View all group tools
Email a group
Exchange files within a group

Customise your group homepage

You can customise the group banner, add modules and change the group colour scheme.

Customise your group homepage

Why aren’t my units in Blackboard?

Go to the Home page/tab and on the My Units module, hover then click the gear icon in the top right corner.
The Group by Term check box allows you to group your units by each semester/term. The units will be categorized by their respective semesters/terms.
Under Edit Course List you can manually set which units will be displayed, what information will be displayed for each unit, and what order the units are in.
Once you have finished, click Submit.

The unit does not have an online component

Not all units have an online component. Check your Unit Outline to confirm whether your unit should appear in Blackboard.

The unit has not been made available

Units are usually made available in Blackboard 7 days prior to the first day of the study period. However, your Lecturer may choose a different start date. If you have concerns that you are unable to see your Unit, please contact your lecturer.

Your enrolment details are incorrect

If you are incorrectly enrolled in a unit, you will not see the unit in Blackboard. To check your current enrolment:

Open eStudent (click on the eStudent button on the My Studies tab in OASIS).
Click Enrolment & Study Plans in the left hand menu. A sub menu will open.
Click Current Enrolment Details in the sub menu.
The units you are enrolled it will now be displayed. If your enrolment is incorrect, please contact Curtin Connect.

Alternative format download

Have you ever found content in your course that was difficult to read, or you wish came in a different format?

Blackboard automatically provides the option for you to download alternative files including readable text for screen readers, PDF, and easy-to-navigate content. Ally creates multiple alternatives from the original documents in your course.

You can download these alternative formats anywhere that files are used, just click the icon next to the file title.

Find out more about the Blackboard Ally tool for Students.

Blackboard App

The Bb Student App lets you access your units on the go.

Find more about the app in the Blackboard Student app page.

Blackboard Collaborate

Blackboard Collaborate is a virtual classroom where you can engage in lectures and tutorials online.

Find out more in the Blackboard Collaborate page.