Archive for September, 2009


Word for Word

print block WMany Blackboard users have experienced problems when submitting and viewing text that has been pasted directly from Microsoft Word into Blackboard.  The cause of this issue is the accompanying word processor formatting code that is included when using the copy/paste feature.  These codes should be removed prior to pasting into a Blackboard text box.

One trick is to copy and paste your text from Word into NotePad first, which strips out the fancy formatting.  Then copy and paste that more compatible NotePad text into the Blackboard text box editor and use the formatting tools available in Blackboard to style your text.  Some will just attach a Word document to their post, however, there are many students that don’t have Word and they will not be able to view your attachment. A few users have reported success when saving the Word text as HTML (website) code, but that isn’t recommended for beginners.

Got Math?

pi_illustrated_normalJust a quick shout-out to the Clark College Math Department…  If you’ve signed up, or are thinking about signing up, for an online math class at Clark, be sure to check out their website for some information that’s essential for your success, as well as tips for writing math notation in Blackboard and much more.  You’ll also find their link in our Blogroll below.

Online Mathematics Classes at Clark

How would you like to give a test instead of taking one?  Even if you have blazing fast internet service, wouldn’t it be nice to know just how fast your connection is to our Blackboard servers in Washington, DC?  The truth is, Blackboard can be troublesome for users on dial-up and nearly impossible for those with internet service via satellite provider.  For those with satellite service, the latency created by the distance between the earth and your host’s satellite (~23,000 miles) causes the problem, and much like its issue with online gaming, there is no consistent solution.  Dial-up can create an issue with Blackboard because of slow response time, as well.  Some have reported success by waiting until off peak hours to access their class.  Others might travel closer to town where they can find a faster connection, such as their local library, college computer lab, or other public locations.  Whatever your resources, you may find this speed checker helpful…

Blackboard Speed Checker

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