Blackboard for New Students

Getting Started with Blackboard

 

Blackboard is Davenport University's Learning Management System (LMS). It provides the digital tools used for online courses and supports learning activities outside the classroom. Students use Blackboard to communicate with classmates, check grades, submit assignments, and participate in group projects.

Before Classes Begin

New Davenport University students should complete these three tasks before classes start:

  1. Check your browser compatibility to make sure your browser supports Blackboard.
  2. Access Blackboard and review these areas on the Institution Page: Activity Stream, Profile, Notifications, and Calendar.
    • Important: Courses are not available in Blackboard until three days before they begin.
    • You can also download the Blackboard Mobile app, but not all class assignments can be completed through the app.
  3. Review other technology used in DU courses: Accessibility, Class.com, and Video Studios.

General Navigation

 

Check Your Browser

Check whether your browser supports Blackboard Learn.

Accessing Blackboard

Sign in with your Davenport username and password.

You can access Blackboard through:

  1. Student Connection
  2. Davenport Blackboard
  3. The Blackboard Mobile app

Activity Stream

Learn how to view updates and important course activity.

Profile

Learn how to view and edit your Blackboard profile.

Notifications

Learn how to manage Blackboard notifications.

Calendar

Learn how to find course dates and deadlines.

Blackboard Mobile App

Access Blackboard from your mobile device.

  • Download: Apple App Store or Google Play.
  • Compatible devices: The original content lists iOS 14+ and Android 11+. Verify current requirements before publishing.
  • Log in: Search for your institution in the app. If it does not appear, contact your school's help desk.
  • Language support: The app supports multiple languages and follows your device's language settings.

Inside Your Blackboard Course (Ultra View)

 

Learn how to navigate your courses, participate in discussions, submit assignments, check grades, and use other Blackboard Ultra tools.

Navigating an Ultra Course

Learn how to navigate your course and find course content.

Discussion Boards

Learn how to participate in course discussions and interact with classmates.

Submit an Assignment

Learn how to submit your coursework through Blackboard.

Exams and Tests

Understand how to access and complete Blackboard tests.

Check Your Grades

Find your grades and review your course progress.

Assessment Grades

Learn how to review grades and feedback for individual assessments.

Plagiarism Detection: SafeAssign

SafeAssign helps instructors review submitted assignments for originality. The report identifies matching text for further review.

Working in Groups

Learn how to collaborate with classmates on group activities and assignments.

Other Technology

 

Blackboard includes accessibility tools that help students access course materials in different ways. Explore the videos below to learn about accessibility features and alternative formats.

Accessibility Overview

More information on Accessibility 

Ally and Alternative Formats

More on Ally and Alternative Formats 


Class.com

 

Class is Davenport University's virtual classroom tool within Blackboard. Use the resources below to learn about Class and how to participate in online class sessions.

About Class

Learn what Class is, how to access it through Blackboard, and how to get started with virtual classroom sessions.

Explore Class Guide 

Class Participant Guide

Visit the Class support page for guidance on using Class as a participant in your course.

View Participant Guide 


Blackboard Video Studios

 

Learn how to use Davenport University's student video studio resources to create and work with video for your courses.

Student Video Studio Guide

Explore the guide for information about the student video studio and available resources.

Open Video Studio Guide