I am compiling a list of technical items that may help students using Learning Management Systems (i.e. Blackboard, WebCT, Moodle, etc):
Some Learning Management Systems like Canvas do not run sufficiently on mobile devices such as smart phones or tablets. Please be sure to use a computer when accessing Blackboard content for this class.
Wireless Internet signals can be unstable at times and students may lose his or her connection. In order to minimize these problems, try the following:
Using open and/or public wireless connections in coffee shops and other places may result in slow connection and performance speeds.
Do not accept any browser upgrades/updates during the course of the semester. Browser's change rapidly and applications that run on them, such as Learning Management Systems, cannot keep up and support the latest versions. Thus, keep your browser as it is - You may never know if updating it may cause problems on the next assignment submission or exam.
Type the responses to discussion questions in a word processing program and then paste the text into the Learning Management System's window. This will help cut down on spelling errors and will also create a log or back-up copy of a student's work.
When using public computers at a computer lab, be sure to log out of the Learning Management System.
Quizzes and timed assessments - When taking online assessments, close unneeded windows and applications that may be running in the background. Do not use the Back arrow.
If something goes wrong, the assessment times-out, or the computer crashes - stay calm and do not panic. Simply write and email or call the instructor to explain what happened. Most assessments can be reset.
Check and track grades on a weekly basis. This will allow students to address potential missed assignments or discrepancies.
Download an use the browser Mozilla Firefox. It has spell-check built into the browser so students can tell if a word is misspelled when responding on Blackboard.
Download the free version of Adobe Reader. This will help when student are downloading the lecture notes for my class. It will also cut down on application specific issues with word processing programs. Students can also use the "Print to PDF" option from Microsoft Word or Google Docs.