eLearning

Semester Setup

Below is the information pertaining to Blackboard shared services and the upcoming semester at UHV. 

• Switch to a different browser to resolve issues in Blackboard.

• Use the Test your Browser button to identify any incompatibility issues.   

Check Status of Blackboard: 

• Check the status of the Blackboard at http://www.uh.edu/infotech/about/performance/dashboard/ and click on the Blackboard and Training Systems option.

Compatible Blackboard Browsers & Operating Systems:

• Visit Blackboard Browser Support for a specific list of compatible operating systems and web browsers for the environment.

Google Chromebooks:

• Note that Windows 10 as well as the “Edge” web browser are now compatible with Blackboard (devices like Google Chromebooks and the ChromeOS are also compatible with the exception of those Blackboard features that require Java). Refer to the Blackboard vendor's list of "Tested devices and operating systems" and "Supported Browsers" for a complete list of compatible devices, operating systems, and supported web browsers.

Respondus LockDown Browser for Lab Computers:

• The latest version of the Respondus LockDown Browser for lab computers is V. 2.0.3.06 October 18, 2018 (Lab).

Important UHV Semester Blackboard Dates:

The UHV Spring 2019 semester begins Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Please review the important Spring 2019 semester information below regarding the UHV Blackboard system.

• Wednesday, January 16, 2019: first day new students registered for Blackboard online courses for the Spring regular & 8W1 terms can log into Blackboard
• Tuesday, January 22, 2019: first day students can access Blackboard online course information for the Spring regular & 8W1 terms
• Tuesday, March 19, 2019: first day new students registered for Blackboard online courses for the Spring 8W2 term can log into Blackboard
• Monday, March 25, 2019: first day students can access Blackboard online course information for the Spring 8W2 term
• Not sure if you are registered for a regular, 8W1, or 8W2 term course...check the UHV course offerings page and search for your specific course to find out
• To resolve issues, confirm you're successfully registered for a Blackboard online course, you're accessing information on the correct date (see above), you've changed your pre-expired password, and you've tested your browser; check with your Online Support Technician for help and assistance
• For information regarding course evaluations, please visit the UHV course evaluations website.

Important UHV Semester Blackboard Dates:

The UHV Fall 2018 semester begins Monday, August 27, 2018. Please review the important Fall 2018 semester information below regarding the UHV Blackboard system.

• Tuesday, August 21, 2018: first day new students registered for Blackboard online courses for the Fall regular & 8W1 terms can log into Blackboard
• Monday, August 27, 2018: first day students can access Blackboard online course information for the Fall regular & 8W1 terms
• Tuesday, October 16, 2018: first day new students registered for Blackboard online courses for the Fall 8W2 term can log into Blackboard
• Monday, October 22, 2018: first day students can access Blackboard online course information for the Fall 8W2 term
• Not sure if you are registered for a regular, 8W1, or 8W2 term course...check the UHV course offerings page and search for your specific course to find out
• To resolve issues, confirm you're successfully registered for a Blackboard online course, you're accessing information on the correct date (see above), you've changed your pre-expired password, and you've tested your browser; check with your Online Support Technician for help and assistance
• For information regarding course evaluations, please visit the UHV course evaluations website. 

Blackboard Recommends Installing more than one Web Browser:

• Use Google or or Bing to search for and install FireFox and Google Chrome browsers on the computer
• When a Blackboard issue occurs in one browser, log out of that browser and close that browser, and launch a different browser and repeat the steps
• If issues still occur, have the user test their browser, confirm they are using a supported browser, and/or have them contact their UHV Online Support Technician for additional help and assistance

Logging into Blackboard:

• UHV Login available via the UHV-hosted Blackboard site at https://www.uhv.edu/elearning/ 
• Direct URL to access Blackboard from the server located in Houston, Texas (when the above website is not responding) is https://elearning.uhv.edu/ 

Before Using Blackboard for the First Time:

• Test your browser and resolve any issues indicated on the "Test Your Browser" page
• Confirm you are using one of the supported operating systems and approved web browsers

Required on Lab Computers - Respondus LockDown Browser Lab Version:

• Contact Megan Perez at UHV for more information

Troubleshooting Respondus LockDown Browser:

1. Launch the Respondus LockDown Browser (RLDB) application and click on the Help Center? icon that appears in the top, left menu area.  
2. Click on the Run System Check button. 
3. Wait for the system check results to complete for: (1) Bandwidth Test, (2) Latency Test, (3) Ports Check, (4) Flash Check, (5) Web Cam (optional) and (6) Microphone (optional). A green check should appear for all items.
4. If there was an error or issue with Bandwidth, Latency, or Ports, the student will need to switch to a different wireless connection or stop using a wireless connection and switch to a wired connection and complete the steps above until there are no issues reported. 
5. Once no issues are reported, students can click the Return to Course button to log into the Blackboard system and complete the RLDB test or quiz. 
6. Confirm whether or not an upgrade is required for the RLDB application. Launch the RLDB application and click on the Information - Settings option (appears in the menu in the top toolbar as a small letter "i" surrounded by a circle). . 
7. Click the Check for Newer Version button. Confirm whether or not a new version is available. If a newer version is available, follow the procedures on the screen to download and install the latest version of the RLDB application.
8. If a newer version of the RLDB for lab computers is available, contact Megan Perez.

Required - VideoLAN:

• VLC Media Player
• http://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.html 

Required - Adobe Shockwave Player:

• get.adobe.com/shockwave

Required - Adobe Flash Player:

• get.adobe.com/flashplayer
• www.adobe.com/software/flash/about

Required - Adobe Reader:

• https://get.adobe.com/reader

Optional for Faculty/Instructor of Record - Respondus 4.0:

• Respondus 4.0 allows UHV faculty and adjuncts to create and manage exams that can be published to the Blackboard system. UHV faculty & adjuncts who may want to use the Respondus 4.0 product should contact their UHV Support Technician for more information. Download is available from https://www.uh.edu/infotech/downloads/ (contact Support Tech for UHV Cougarnet account name and password)

UHV Blackboard FAQs