Please Note: We are in the process of upgrading to the latest version of Blackboard. All documentation on the linked pages to the right are referring to CourseVU and not the new Blackboard.

Overview

Using Blackboard allows instructors to electronically post class materials which are then available to students via the internet. Blackboard gives faculty the opportunity to make learning materials available to students 24-hours a day.  After class is finished meeting students can participate in discussion boards, take online quizzes and tests or turn in assignments electronically by using Blackboard. Some courses at Valparaiso University are hosted entirely on-line through Blackboard whereas other traditional on-campus course use Blackboard to supplement the in-class instruction.

Current Events:

Starting for the Fall 2009 semester, CourseVU will be upgraded to the latest version of Blackboard and will now be known simply as Blackboard. The new version will provide the campus with the new look, ease of use, and additional options for communication and assessment.

Faculty control of the system as improved. Courses will not automatically be loaded into the system. Faculty must decide which courses will be created in Blackboard through DataVU:

1. Log in to DataVU at https://datavu.valpo.edu
2. Click on the Faculty button to access the Faculty Menu
3. Click on My Class Schedule
4. Select the term from the menu
5. Click on the Submit button
6. Check the box in the first column for every class that you would like to create a course shell for in CourseVU
7. Click on the Submit button to add your course to the course creation list. Course creation may take up to 2 hours for your request to be completed during the day and loger if you opt-in during the evening or overnight

Training

Instructors, students and staff members who wish to learn how to use Blackboard may contact the Instructional Design and Faculty Consulting Center.  The staff members are ready to assist with both technical and pedagogical issues related to course building.

Accounts

Blackboard accounts are created when other technology accounts are created. The username and password for Blackboard is the same as other systems (email, DataVU, etc.).  If you are having trouble logging into your account, contact the IT Help Desk.

Access to Blackboard

CourseVU (Summer 2009) - https://coursevu.valpo.edu/webapps/login/

Blackboard (Fall 2009) - https://blackboard.valpo.edu/