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Frequently Asked Questions

 
How do I request a Blackboard course site for the class I am teaching?
You no longer have to request that a Blackboard course site be created for any course that you are teaching. All courses will automatically have a Blackboard course site created for you. In the rare event that your course site has not been set up for you, please email me, yyong@germanna.edu, and we can get one set up for you.
 
Why can my students not see my course?
Your course site has been created, however, you will need to make your class available. To do this navigate to the Control Panel from within your course and select Setttings under the course options module. Then click on Course Availability and select Yes to make your course available. Click Submit.
 
What is Securexam?

Securexam locks down the, on campus, PC on which the student is taking the Blackboard assessment so students cannot navigate to any other screens or programs other than the Blackboard exam.  It disables all options including the Start menu, taskbars and navigation to other web pages.  Any links within the exam do remain active, and the browser retains the ability to view the links embedded in the exam.
 
How can I open multiple threads within a Discussion Forum?

To read all related threads within a forum
1. Open Discussion Forum
2. On the right side of the screen, click Show Options
3. Click with the mouse the boxes of the threads you want to open at once
4. Click the Collect Button
 
How do I archive messages in the Discussion Board?

1. Go to the Discussion Board
2. Open the Forum you wish to archive
3. Scroll to the bottom, and click the Click Here for Archives button
4. Click Add Archive
5. Type in an Archive Title and Description, and check the box if you want the archive and messages available to students
6. Click Submit
7. Click Modify Archive Forum name
8. Scroll to bottom and select the thread(s) names to archive
9. Click Submit
10. Open archive Forum name
11. See the thread(s)
12. (Keep clicking OK to get back to regular discussion board)
 
How often should I archive (backup) my course?
It is reccomended that you back up your course at least once per week. This way if any unforseen accident does occur you are prepared.
 
How do I archive (backup) my course?

Navigate to the Control Panel from within your course.
Click on Archive Course from the course options module.
Click the Submit button.
Right click with the mouse on the blue line and select save as.
Click SaveChoose the location to save your file to (Desktop).
Click Save.
 
How do I archive (backup) the grade book?

Navigate to the Control Panel from within your course
Click on Gradebook
Click Download Grades from the toolbar
Choose comma as the delimiter type
Click Submit
Click Download
Click Save
Choose the destination you wish to save the file to and select Save

 
 
Is there an online form to help me create my course outline?

Yes, Germanna has an online Syllabus Creator that will guide you through the process of creating your course outline. Many of the policies that are required to be in your course outline are automatically filled in for you when using the Syllabus Creator. To use the Syllabus Creator follow the steps outlined below.

Go to www.germanna.edu
Click on Faculty/Staff
Click on Syllabus Creator
If you do not have a login and password please contact Jack Gill at (540) 891-3042 or you may email Jack.