Beginning with Blackboard

Online courses allow you to take charge of your own learning. What a wonderful opportunity to choose what time, what place, and how long to work. In order to enjoy the freedom technology offers it's important to become comfortable with the tools you'll be using in class. This week's main objective is to help you climb the learning curve and explore the world of Blackboard and online learning.

One great thing about Blackboard is that you can't break anything, so relax, poke around and make yourself at home! Enjoy this opportunity to explore and learn in a new, safe environment. If you have any questions, click Class Discussions and post your question in the forum entitled “Question.” You may also click on the Support tab to find specific directions for many Blackboard tasks. Get ready for a wonderful experience!

Navigating and Using Links

Whenever you see a word or phrase underlined, it means that the words are linked to information located somewhere else on the page or at another place in the course; for example, the assignments listed at the bottom of this page are underlined (linked), which allows you to "jump" to each of the topics. Links for "Back to Top of Page" are placed at the bottom of some pages, allowing you to quickly return to the top of the page.

A very common link in PLS courses is Key Information. Clicking on the words Key Information links you to the essential content about a topic, and you will often need to use this content in order to successfully complete a Learning Activity. You should always click on Key Information. In fact, right now click on the underlined Key Information above to read:

• Expectations for Participants — Gain clarity about what is expected in this course.

Important features can also be accessed through the navigation menu at the top of each page. You will always see options for the Overview and Topics for the current module. "Drill down" to information specific to a topic, including Key Information and Activities. You can also navigate through links at the bottom and top of each page.

Key Information