Students Getting Started

Online courses make use of learning management systems (Canvas, Blackboard, Desire2Learn) as well as other specialized software for learning on the Internet.

The Blackboard Course List will mirror the courses you signed up for in the myGSU portal. The courses will be available in Blackboard from the first day of the semester until two weeks after the semester is over. Students will not be able to view those courses outside of this timeframe. Late start courses will be available later in the semester, so please check your myGSU course schedule for those alternate dates.

  • Where to Find Blackboard

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    You may access Blackboard from three different areas:
    • From the Governors State University's homepage: Proceed to www.govst.edu webpage and scroll to the bottom. Under the Academics column, select Blackboard.
    • From the myGSU portal: Proceed to the and login to the myGSU portal using your GSU username and password. Select the eLearning Blackboard button under Quick Links.
    • From the GSU Blackboard web address: Proceed to the Blackboard login page.
     

  • How to Login to Blackboard

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    On the Blackboard login page, please login using your GSU username and password. This is the same username and password for the myGSU portal and the Office 365 email. In the username field, do not include @student.govst.edu. For more information about logging into Blackboard, please view the Blackboard Login tutorial.

    Need a password reset? Please use the Reset Password Tool or contact the ITS Helpdesk at 708.534.4357.

  • Access the Blackboard Student Orientation Course

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    All students enrolled for GSU courses are enrolled in the Blackboard Student Orientation course. You may access this course in your Blackboard Course List. This self-paced course is designed to help students become familiar with the Blackboard environment. Once you complete all six lessons, take the test to receive a certificate, which may or may not be required by your instructor.

    The six lessons included are:
    • Login and Prepare: Provides details on the different ways to login to Blackboard, software recommended for Blackboard, setting up your email, understanding which types of courses you are taking, using publisher content, keys to online learning success, and protecting your e-rep.
    • Course Content: Provides details on the left navigation menu, navigating the course, and the different navigation tools.
    • Communicate: Provides details on the different communication tools, appropriate online behavior, and how to accomplish online group work.
    • Assignments and Tests: Provides details on how to submit online assignments, how to submit online tests, and tips for assignment or test issues.
    • Stay on Track: Provides details on time management, accessing your grades, accessing the syllabus, using reminders and notifications, and staying on track using your mobile device.
    • Get Help: Provides details about different GSU support, such as Blackboard Support, the ITS Helpdesk, and the Registrar's Office. Some Instructors will also use publisher content, such as McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and Cengage, which students can receive assistance from their support.

    Don't see the Blackboard Student Orientation course in your Blackboard Course List? Contact Blackboard Support.

  • Overview of Blackboard Course Navigation

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    • After you login to a course, make sure to download the syllabus. This is usually stored in the Syllabus left navigation menu link. Instructors may make changes, so make sure you keep an eye out for any of those notifications.
    • Navigate through the left navigation menu to see what is available within the course. Blackboard is a fan of titles being links to new pages, so make sure you are hovering your mouse over text in case it's a hyperlink to a new page.
    • Make sure to complete your graded materials by using the left navigation menu (Assignments, Quizzes and Exams, Discussion Board, etc.) or within course modules. Each course is different, so the navigation to graded materials may vary.
    • Use the My Grades left navigation menu link to check the grades for a course. Make sure you are consistently checking this area to keep up with your graded materials.
    • Check Course Messages in the courses left navigation menu, check announcements in courses left navigation menu, or check your GSU email located outside of Blackboard.
    • As previously stated, courses are available for the semester. Once the availability date passes, students will no longer be able to access those courses. If you need copies of any of the materials posted in the course, be sure to download before the semester ends, otherwise you will have to contact the instructor of the course.