Attention Mobile Device Users (iPad, iPhone, etc.)!
Currently, some users are unable to navigate courses using a mobile web browser such as on an iPad or iPhone. Once you enter a course, you will be stuck on the entry point for the class and won’t be able to navigate away. ITS and DL Staff are testing a solution and hope to implement it soon. In the meantime, you and your students may want to use the available mobile apps, but there are limitations on what you and your students can do within the apps.
Mobile Friendly Courses
While you won’t be able to have a fully-mobile compatible course at this time, there are steps you take to make it more mobile friendly. Schedule an appointment with or drop by the Distance and Online Learning department to learn more about creating mobile compatible content. Contact us by email at DLHelp@hvcc.edu, phone at 518-629-7070, or stop by BTC 1042.
What you need to know about Blackboard Mobile Apps
Blackboard App
The Blackboard app is designed for students, allowing them to view and participate in courses. But, the app does not replace the need for a computer as there are many Blackboard features and tools that you use in your classes that aren’t accessible via the app.
Please take a moment to watch Introducing the Blackboard App video to learn more about what your students can do with the app.
What Students Can See
- Grades
Students can view their grades for course work in their courses. Feedback on course work is limited. For example, depending on your settings and type of test questions, some feedback is available, while some is not and they will need to access it in a web browser. If you use Rubrics, only the descriptions and point values display to students, and for written feedback, they need to use a web browser. - Tests and Assignments
Students can submit assignments from the app either by adding text or attaching a file from their cloud storage. Mobile compatible tests which use one of the following question types, True/False, Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Essay, Either/Or are app friendly. However, images or math equation editor content will not display in the questions/answers. If the test can’t be completed in the app students are alerted to use a web browser. - Due dates
The app shows due dates for tests and assignments if specified by the instructor, and it will also show old due dates if they haven’t been updated accordingly for the term. Due dates for discussions do not show. - Course Content
Most content displays in the app, but if the content isn’t supported within the app, it opens in the in-app web browser. Again, images will not display inline with text. - Discussions
Students can read discussions, start threads, and reply to posts. They can add Attachments from their device or cloud storage. Once again, images will not display inline with text.
Additionally, you may find the Feature Guide for the Blackboard App informative as it provides details on all the features available through the app.
Instructor App
The Blackboard Instructor app is designed for instructors and allows you to view content, grade assignments, participate in discussions, and use Blackboard Collaborate with your class. However, depending on the tools and settings of your tests, assignments, discussions, etc., you may not be able to complete all tasks via the app and will need to use a web browser.
Please take a moment to watch the Blackboard Instructor App Tour video to learn more about what you can do with the app.
You may find the following resources helpful as you explore the Instructor app as well.
End of Life for Bb Grader App
If you were an early adopter of Blackboard mobile products, you might have been using the Bb Grader app. Support for the Bb Grader app will end on March 29, 2019, and you are encouraged to use the Instructor app.
Published: Thu, 07 Mar 2019 13:03:16 +0000 by e.baker