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Student Resources

Online Learning Support for Students

Key Technologies for Online Learners

Successful online learners exhibit strong motivation to learn, the ability to work independently, the capacity to follow instructions, and solid time management and study skills to create and stick to a regular study schedule. Courses may not include any required face-to-face interaction. Learners benefit from building skills in using and troubleshooting technologies and practicing proactive communication skills to ask for support and guidance from instructors, mentors, and advisors.

Complete the one-hour Blackboard Quick Start online course & earn your Online Learner Badge

This one-hour self-guided course gives you a quick tour of Blackboard, where you find the online components of your course. With an introduction to everything from customizing your profile picture to finding online campus communities and resources, this course gets you off to a good start.
    1. First, log in to Blackboard using the username provided in your admissions materials and your Multifactor Authentication password and app confirmation.
    2. Once logged in, go to the Quick Start course.
    3. Click on the message saying, "Click here to enroll." Click the + Enroll option with the green plus sign on the bottom of the course menu on the left. 
    4. Need help logging in? Email academicinnovation@uscupstate.edu and ask to be added to the Student Readiness Course.

About Online Course Technology

Blackboard is the learning management system (LMS) we use to connect you to resources and activities in your USC Upstate courses.

Some of your online courses may share all activities, assignments, and content entirely in Blackboard. Others may use Blackboard in combination with an electronic textbook and practice exercises (common in accounting, world languages, mathematics, computer science, etc.). As an online learner, you can expect to use Blackboard to find out about course announcements, view video lectures, turn in discussion boards or assignments, complete tests or quizzes, and keep track of your grades. Be sure to check with your instructors for more details about the features of your courses.​

For courses listed as synchronous online you may use Blackboard "Collaborate" to attend a virtual class meeting with video and audio, meet one-on-one with your instructor or advisor to ask questions or discuss projects, or share screens and files with classmates.​

Getting Connected

Personalizing Blackboard

Using Blackboard Collaborate Video Conferencing

Turning in Assignments and Getting Feedback

Accessibility and Viewing/Listening to Alternative Formats of Course Content

Staying in Contact

Blackboard and the Blackboard Student App have built-in features to help you keep track of important due dates and monitor your progress in your courses, including a course calendar and email, text, and app notifications. 

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