Log into your Blackboard Course
The online course is delivered to the student using the highly interactive Blackboard platform. Blackboard is the world’s largest provider of this type of service. This teaching model allows students to participate in class asynchronously each week of their course(s). This means that students do not need to be online at the same time. This is especially helpful to students who are working full time, raising a family or the campus students who can not fit a specific course into their schedule.
The Blackboard model enables users to extend learning beyond the traditional classroom or other types of distance learning models. Collaboration between instructor and students is essential and builds a true learning community. Blackboard online courses are not independent study courses. They are completely interactive using any internet ready computer (see technical requirements link). Additionally classes will have the availability of a virtual classroom component where the instructor and students can be interactive in real time.
Both undergraduate and graduate courses may be available to the student online (refer to the University of Great Falls Distance Learning Course Schedule). The Paralegal Studies Bachelor’s degree, the Master of Arts, Secondary Teaching degree (initial licensing degree program) and the Master of Education graduate degree programs are available using the Blackboard platform.
When does my class meet? Technically, there are no class times. Online courses are conducted asynchronously, which means individuals “take turns” sending messages between students and instructors.
Will hundreds of other students be taking my class at the same time as me? No, UGF limits enrollment. Most classes are rarely larger than 15 students.
What kind of computer do I need? Any PC or Macintosh computer is fine. Plus you will need a modem and a connection to the Internet (see specifics here).
Will I need to learn complicated software? Blackboard is extremely user friendly and anyone with basic computer skills will be successful in its use. You will also have online orientation from the Director and your instructor in advance of the start of your course(s).
How much time do I get to complete the course? Each course will have a start and end date. In between the schedule of course work, assignments, and due dates are determined by each instructor. The amount of hours needed each week will be indicated by the instructor at the beginning of the weekly assignments.
Who will help me if I run into technical problems? Each instructor will problem solve your needs. UGF employs a technician assigned to Blackboard technical support by phone or email.
Questions about how best to approach online learning? This online document has many useful tips:
"Free Advice on How to Be a Successful Online Student (.PDF)"
Contact our Distance Learning Team for further information.