An information button.

Blackboard IM

Blackboard provides an instant messaging system called Blackboard IM to communicate. This system allows you to know when your instructor is online for questions or comments or when any of your other classmates are online and you would like more immediate interaction! For those of you who are familiar with Facebook Chat or Yahoo IM, this is a version of those kind of messaging tools. Some of the potential uses for you to consider are:
  • Blackboard IM offers real time communication with text chat or audio
  • Student-to-student as well as student-to-instructor communication
  • Social networking tool that allows student to discuss what's important to them
  • Virtual Office hours (a time to meet with your instructor during posted hours)
  • Assignment clarification
To get started, please follow the attached instructions: Getting Started with Blackboard IM 
Blackboard Collaborate Technical Support > Self Service > Contact Technical Support
(24 hours a day - 7 days a week) From their website, you can "Submit a Ticket," "Live Chat" or Telephone: 1(877)382-2293.
OPTIONAL: After you have successfully downloaded and installed Blackboard IM, watch for the "green" dot indicating your instructor is available. Initiate a chat with your instructor.