Introduction to myUSF for Faculty
From Academic Computing
This is an intro to the Blackboard learning system for faculty.
Contents |
[edit] Purpose
The purpose of this document is to introduce instructors to the Blackboard Learning System™
[edit] Prerequisites
The document was designed for both students and instructors who are first time users of Blackboard. This document assumes the user has basic computer knowledge and internet skills (IE 6.1, Netscape 7, Mozilla, FireFox, Safari).
[edit] Getting Started with myUSF
To begin using the myUSF portal and Blackboard, you must first setup your NetID. You must first go the the USF card center and get a USF ID card USF Card Center. Next, go to the following website https://una.acomp.usf.edu and click on the “Activate your USF NetID” link.
Follow the directions to set up your NetID. Make sure you have your USF ID Card handy!
After you set up your NetID, you can log into the myUSF portal immediately. However, before you begin using myUSF we recommend you update your computer with the latest patches. If you are using Windows 2000/XP please visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com to update your computer to the latest service pack. We also recommend your computer has Java (1.4.2) installed. You can download the latest version of Java from Sun’s website http://www.sun.com (Note: Mac OS 8 & 9 have an earlier version of Java—certain features of myUSF may not work correctly).
[edit] Logging into myUSF
To access myUSF, use a web browser and go to https://my.usf.edu At the login screen enter your NetID and the password you created when you signed up for your account. This is also the password you use for your official USF e-mail. If you forgot your NetID you can always reset your account by going to https://una.acomp.usf.edu.
A browser check wizard is located in the upper left-hand corner of the login screen. If you have problems logging in please use the wizard. If you still have problems please contact our Helpdesk at 974-1222.
[edit] The Welcome Screen
After you login to myUSF you will see the welcome screen—a customizable area divided into the following 3 sections
- 1 Top Navigation Bar
- 2 Left Panel
- 3 Right Panel
The Top Navigation Bar lets you browse through the various content areas on myUSF. You can access your courses, organizations, and library resources by using the tabs at the top of the screen. The Left and Right panels contain modules which contain quick links to classes, email, and other useful features. To add or remove a module click on the Contents button 
(located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen). Use the Layout button 
to reorganize modules both in the same panel and between panels.
Some modules can be edited—click the pencil button 
in the upper right-hand corner of the module. Most modules can be removed or minimized according to the buttons in the upper right-hand corner of the module. 
removes the module from the screen and 
minimizes the module to just the title bar. If you accidentally remove a module you can always re-add the module by clicking on the Contents button.
[edit] Accessing your Course
You can access your online courses in BlackBoard by clicking on the Courses tab in the navigation menu. A list of links to your classes will appear in the main window. Access your class by clicking on a course link.
[edit] The Student View
The Student View is first screen of your course. On the left-hand side is the course menu, and on the right is the content section. Students use this view to access their course materials, discussion boards, take assessments, and check grades.
[edit] The Instructor View
The Instructor view is access by clicking on the Control Panel link located at the bottom of the course menu. This will take you to the control panel of your course.
The Instructor view allows you to customize your course, upload class material, maintain grades, and manage communication tools. The Instructor view is divided into 6 areas.
- 1 Content Areas
- 2 Course Tools
- 3 Course Options
- 4 User Management
- 5 Assessment
- 6 Support
Content Areas - Upload class material, create assignments, and launch tests and surveys in the Content Areas.
Course tools - Setup discussion boards, send email, post announcements, and manage Virtual chat sessions (collaboration) with the course tools.
Course Options - Archive your course, set course availability, copy the course, and modify the look of the Student view in Course Options.
User Management - Add Teaching Assistants and create student work groups in User Management
Assessment - View and modify the class grade book in Assessment. You can also use the assessment managers for creating tests, surveys, and question pools.
Support - View online documentation and support information in Support.
[edit] Recommended Information
How to post a document (Faculty)
How to send email through Blackboard (Faculty)
How to post Announcements on Blackboard(Faculty)
Editing the My Courses Module
Instructor FAQ
All myUSF Documentation
[edit] Resources
To see all the training videos click [here]
Categories: MyUSF | Training | Savant
