Research Guides: Academic Technology: Blackboard

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is a web-based course-management system or learning management system designed to allow students and faculty to participate in classes delivered online or access online course materials and activities to complement face-to-face classes. Blackboard enables students to participate via discussion boards and virtual chat, and access online quizzes and an academic resource center.

The degree to which Blackboard is used in a course varies. For example, instructors may supplement an on-campus class by putting their syllabus and handouts on their course sites. Other courses may be conducted entirely through Blackboard, without any on-campus sessions. If you are enrolled in a course that uses Blackboard, be sure to find out how Blackboard will be used in your course.

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NECC Blackboard login

How do I log in to Blackboard?

Create / Activate your Student Account
- You must be a current student enrolled in classes at NECC in order to access Blackboard.
- If you've enrolled in classes using myNECC, your account has already been activated. Most new students usually should be able to login to Blackboard about 10 minutes after creating their account. However, sometimes it takes longer, even overnight.If you are unable to access Blackboard over 24 hours after creating your account, contact the NECC IT Service Desk at 978-556-3111 or servicedesk@necc.mass.edu

Blackboard Login:

Username = Student ID#

Password = myNECC password

Login to myNECC (there are also links to myNECC at the top of all NECC web pages). Select "Blackboard" from the list of options at the top right of the screen and you will be taken directly to your Blackboard home page.
Visit neccbb.blackboard.com and enter your myNECC login information in the Username and Password fields and click "Login"

Note: Your classes may not be available on Blackboard until the start date of the class. Don't worry, this is normal.

Log Out of Blackboard
- When you are using a public or campus computer, be sure to always log out of Blackboard or other applications when you are done. There are two ways of doing so, depending on how your page is configured:

If you see your name in the upper right corner of the page, click the log off button () in the upper right corner.
If you see your name in the list on the left hand side of the page, click the Sign Out button () at the bottom of the list

Note: Logging out of Blackboard will log you out of myNECC as well.

Technology Tips

In order to access your course materials, turn in assignments, and take tests/quizzes, your browser must be compatible with Blackboard. We recommend using the latest version of Firefox or Chrome, rather than Internet Explorer. It is also a good idea to have more than one browser available to use with Blackboard (most are free to download).

Click on the Browser Checker below to see if your browser is compatible with Blackboard:

Blackboard Browser Checker on Blackboard Learn for Students

Most devices are Blackboard-compatible, with a few exceptions:

Chromebooks are not completely compatible with all Blackboard features or some types of content added to Blackboard.
- Chromebooks do not perform downloads, so students will not be able to download course materials, open assignments, or upload assignments to Blackboard from a Chromebook
Tablets and mobile devices support some, but not all, features and content in Blackboard.
- When using a tablet or mobile device, it is best to access Blackboard through the mobile app, which is available for free from the App Store and Google Play Store

Avoid using a Chromebook, tablet, or a mobile device to take a test or quiz.

Regardless of the browser being used, Blackboard Learn requires the use of cookies and JavaScript.

You may be prompted to install the additional software when accessing these features, or depending on the browser security settings, you may need to acknowledge a browser message allowing plugins, such as Java, Flash Player, Apple Quicktime or others to run the software.

To enable or clear cookies in...	Visit...
Google Chrome	https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=en
Firefox	https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop?redirectlocale=en-US&redirectslug=enable-and-disable-cookies-website-preferences
Safari	https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/manage-cookies-and-website-data-sfri11471/mac
Microsoft Edge	https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027947/microsoft-edge-delete-cookies#:~:text=View%20cookies,cookies%20saved%20on%20your%20device.

To enable Javascript in...	Visit...
Google Chrome	https://www.whatismybrowser.com/guides/how-to-enable-javascript/chrome
Firefox	https://www.whatismybrowser.com/guides/how-to-enable-javascript/firefox
Safari	https://www.whatismybrowser.com/guides/how-to-enable-javascript/safari
Microsoft Edge	Don't worry! It is already enabled and cannot be disabled.

Having trouble accessing course content on Blackboard? Here are some steps you can take:

Ensure that you are using a compatible browser by visiting the Blackboard Browser Checker. If there is a red X and the word "Unsupported" next to "Your browser is:" you may need to update your browser or switch to a different one.
Turn your pop-up blocker off and/or allow pop ups. Some Blackboard materials will only appear in a pop up screen.

To allow pop ups in...	Visit...
Google Chrome	https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95472?hl=en
Firefox	https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/pop-blocker-settings-exceptions-troubleshooting
Safari	https://www.hellotech.com/guide/for/how-to-allow-pop-ups-on-safari
Microsoft Edge	https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4026392/microsoft-edge-block-pop-ups (Move the "Block" toggle to "Off")

Ensure that Javascript is enabled in your browser. See "Browser Settings" in this box for browser-specifc instructions.
Install and/or enable Flash in your browser.

To install/enable Flash in...	Visit...
Google Chrome	https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/6258784?hl=en&visit_id=637278460009971891-532449397&rd=1
Firefox	https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/install-flash-plugin-view-videos-animations-games
Safari	https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/enabling-flash-player-safari.html
Microsoft Edge	https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4532571/microsoft-edge-turn-on-flash

Clear your browsing data.

To clear browsing data in...	Visit...
Chrome	https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/2392709?co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&hl=en
Firefox	https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/delete-browsing-search-download-history-firefox
Safari	https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/clear-your-browsing-history-sfri47acf5d6/mac
Microsoft Edge	https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10607/microsoft-edge-view-delete-browser-history#:~:text=Here's%20how%20to%20clear%20your,Time%20range%20drop%2Ddown%20menu.

If you have taken these steps and continue to experience problems accessing course materials, contact the Academic Technology Assistants via live chat or text (978-709-1955).

Problems? Contact your Instructor

Please check your course syllabus for contact information including name, office number, office hours, phone number and email address. You can also search the NECC directory for your instructor's information.

Your instructor's college email will be in this format: first initial last name @necc.mass.edu

For example: Matt Smith = msmith@necc.mass.edu

Blackboard Messages or NECC email?

Ask your instructors which communication tool you should use to reach them . Remember, most instructors teach class during the day so email may be the best method to contact your instructor.