Using Blackboard Learning Management System (formerly WebCT)

MTU uses the Blackboard/WebCT learning management system. The WebCT product has been merged with another popular on-line learning product and is now called Blackboard Learning System CE (Campus Edition). Once you login to the Blacklboard CE/ WebCT site, you can access an online archive of all class materials, communicate with members of your online learning class, and track your grades and online class participation. All at your convenience!

Below is a short explanation of the main components of Blackboard . More information can be found on the Blackboard / WebCT at Michigan Tech page.

Good luck with your course work and take advantage of this great tool!

Logging in

To access your course's Blackboard CE/ WebCT page, you must log in:

For the current production version Blackboard , go to https://courses.mtu.edu. Check with your course instructor for details.
Click on the Log in link.
Type in your Blackboard CE/ WebCT login (same as your ISO username and password).

What's an ISO password?

Your ISO (Initial Sign On) password is required whenever you log on to access your Michigan Tech email or Blackboard/WebCT pages. Your ISO is initially set to your Michigan Tech M- number.

To make your account more secure, we recommend that you change your ISO password. To do so

Go to www.login.mtu.edu
Click on the change your ISO password link.
Enter your userid (the first eight letters of your mtu.edu email address) and your ISO password (Michigan Tech M-number).

Blackboard CE/ WebCT Browser Tune-up

If you are having problems logging into Blackboard CE/ WebCT, make sure that you are using a supported browser and that your browser settings are correct. Go to the Browser Tune-up Page for more information.

Course List

The Course List page will include all your courses that are currently using Blackboard CE/ WebCT, or have used in the past. Click on the link to each course to access materials.

TIPS

Look at the course content before you get started so that you are able to pay more attention to the lecture videos and/or materials.
Take advantage of homework assignments posted a day or more early.

View Grades

You can see all of your recorded scores. You will only have access to your own grades.

TIP

You can find out what your grades are as soon as the materials are graded and released.

Calendar

When the calendar is opened, you can sort through the month and look at different events pertinent to your class. If there is a link, double click to get to the link for that event. You will also find out when new events are posted when you visit your myWebCT page.

TIP

Try setting personal deadlines for your academic work on the WebCT calendar.

Discussions

Click on a topic and select Compose (or Create) Message. Your message will be posted within that topic and other members of the class will be able to read and respond to your message.

TIPS

Hold group discussions.
Ask questions to the instructor on behalf of the class.
Keep up with announcements of new material.

Course Mail

This is a Blackboard specific function only! You must go to My Blackboard to send or receive internal messages. You can use this just as you would your normal email by composing, attaching, and sending, etc.

TIPS

Keep your course mail separate than your personal/work email.
Access your course mail from anywhere that you can get online.

More tips and tricks

If you are having trouble opening a PDF, you may need Acrobat Reader. You can download a free copy of Acrobat Reader.

For more information, visit My Blackboard/@MTU.