Online Courses and Blackboard

Online classes can be convenient but it doesn’t mean they are easier. Good time management is required to be successful in online courses. In order to be successful, those hours that would’ve been spent in the face-to-face class need to be set aside to work on the online course.

Remember that you must log into the online class within the first day or two of the semester and complete some type of activity to verify your attendance in the class. Failure to do so results in you being dropped from the course as a “no show”.

Some online classes may require a proctored exam, which is a supervised online test at an approved location. Typically, the final exam is the proctored exam but it is at the instructor’s discretion. We will talk more about proctored exams in a moment.

Be sure to log into your Blackboard account regularly (at least daily) while taking an online course. This will enable you to read any course announcements. Some classes require weekly work while some allow more independent work.  It is very important to be organized in knowing due dates for assignments and tests.

Don’t forget to also check your KCTCS email regularly.

If you are unsure if you are ready to take an online course, take the Online Readiness Quiz.  Go to the SKYCTC website, then click on Blackboard, and then click on Student Support. This quiz may assist you in deciding whether or not to take an online course. Online course are not for everyone.

Online courses require a computer with internet access and an email account. It is helpful if this is available at your home.

Remember that online courses may be more convenient, but they are not easier.

To be successful in an online class, it requires discipline and good time management.

You may want to consider taking a hybrid course first before enrolling into an online class.

Communication is one of the keys to success in an online course, especially with your instructor. While your instructor may have a preferred communication method, there are many ways to communicate including email, phone and the discussion board in Blackboard.

You can access Blackboard from the KCTCS app or MyPath.KCTCS.edu your username and and password are the same for Blackboard and email. 

If you don’t know your username and password, select “forgot password” to reset your password.  You will be asked to supply your first/last name, birthdate, student identification number and student ID number to reset your account.

Make sure you write down your username and password when prompted so that you have it for future access.

Each SKYCTC course has a Blackboard shell whether it is an online, hybrid, or in person course.

In Blackboard you will find content pertinent to each of your classes in your “Students Start Here” module such as an overview of the work you will do in the course, instructor contact information, your syllabus with any textbook information, course assignment due dates, and grading policy. As well as any other information your instructor deems necessary for completing the course.

When you find your syllabus. You should read it word for word! You will complete a “Syllabus Acknowledgement” for each of your classes the first week of class.

Finally, watch for announcements from your instructor through Blackboard this will also help keep you updated throughout your course.

You may have questions about Blackboard. If your question is related to a specific Blackboard course and / or assignment, contact your instructor. If you need information about how to contact your instructor. Your instructor’s information can be found in your Blackboard course’s “Instructor Information” or your syllabus.

If your question is related to Blackboard, you have many resources available to help.

You can call or walk into the campus library. Each campus has library staff available for your Blackboard questions. Check with your campus library for office hours. Evening office hours are available at the KATI campus. You may also call the library help desk at (270) 901-1171.

You can log into Blackboard then click on “Assist”. There you will find tutorials and information about common student issues. (KCTCS uses Blackboard Ultra as the Learning Management System.

Another resource for you is contacting our Digital Learning Coordinator, Sherri Basil. You may email her at sherri.basil@kctcs.edu or call (270) 901-1214

Each of the six SKYCTC campus locations have knowledgeable faculty and staff that you can approach to ask questions about Blackboard.

On evenings and weekends, you can call the Go! KCTCS service center at (855) 246-2482 (this number is located on page 56 of your 2016-2017 student success guide).

An important note to remember: Blackboard performs regular maintenance late on Saturday nights, therefore, functions may be limited or not working during that time.

The browser you use can make a big difference in what you experience using Blackboard Ultra. Using Google Chrome is highly suggested.

Use your KCTCS username and password to access BB

In your Browser, for the best functionality, do not use the back button to navigate, use the navigation menu items or links!

Once you log into Blackboard you will find your courses in the “Courses” tab on the left panel in Blackboard. Your courses will be listed 24 hours after you have been enrolled. Your course may not be available. Your instructor will open your course so that you can view your syllabus before your course begins. Course content will be available on the start date for the course.

As a student of SKYCTC you have many avenues to acquire assistance with issues throughout the college. In each of your courses you will find information about accessing many of these services under the “Student Help and Reference” module in each of your Blackboard course shells