Are you considering an online degree program but aren't sure whether it's the right learning method for you? Feeling a bit lost in Blackboard Learn? Chico State students in online degree programs have recorded some tips and tricks videos, as well as some Blackboard Learn Basics tutorials to help you get and stay on track. You've got this!

Tips & Tricks for Online Students

Ariana
Distance Education Student

Chico State online student Ariana shares advice for staying connected with other students, as well as her favorite pro tip…an app that reminds you to give your eyes, body, and brain a break during long stretches on the computer. Presentation time: 5 minutes | View Now

Jessica
Distance Education Student

Jessica, an online Social Science major, talks about how a consistent and disciplined schedule is key to success, along with reducing distractions around you (including roommates and pets!) to help you stay focused. Presentation time: 3 minutes | View Now

Laura Kate
Distance Education Student

Online Sociology major Laura Kate shares some of the benefits of taking online classes, as well as getting used to the different ways that professors use Blackboard Learn. Presentation time: 3 minutes | View Now

Leslie
Distance Education Student

Chico State senior Leslie details how she keeps track of assignments and due dates when taking multiple online classes, as well as allocating enough time to keep up with the work. She also encourages you to find ways to stay motivated and overcome screen fatigue. Presentation time: 3 minutes | View Now

Markie
Distance Education Student

Markie, an online Social Work major, encourages you to be your own accountability boss to crush the deadlines assignments and stay on track. She also offers a good reminder that you don’t have to go it alone. Presentation time: 3 minutes | View Now

Rachel
Distance Education Student

Rachel, and online Liberal Studies student, is a proponent of adding variety to your learning and your schedule. She also shares her (colorful!) organizational trick to stay on track and encourages you to stay connected with your instructors. Presentation time: 5 minutes | View Now

Blackboard Learn Student Tutorials

Class Discussions

Jessica
Chico State Distance Education Student

Jessica, an online Chico State student, demonstrates how to participate in class discussions in Blackboard Learn, including starting a new discussion; replying to comments and other discussion posts; and uploading documents into your discussion thread. Presentation time: 5 minutes | View Now

Using Online Outside Resources

Jessica
Chico State Distance Education Student

Jessica, an online Chico State student, shows how to locate and access outside resources associated with your online class, including videos lectures and text books. She also shows how to locate important information about quizzes and how to complete and submit assignments. Presentation time: 5 minutes | View Now

Completing & Submitting Online Assignments

Laura Kate
Chico State Distance Education Student

Laura Kate shares three ways that instructors post assignments in Blackboard, and how to complete and submit each type of assignment. Presentation time: 5 minutes | View Now

Uploading a Video Using Kaltura in Blackboard Learn

Rachel
Chico State Distance Education Student

Liberal Studies online student Rachel demonstrates how to upload a video using Kaltura Media in Blackboard Learn. She also shares some tips about uploading large files and ensuring that your video is viewable in your course. Presentation time: 6 minutes | View Now

Course Content Organization

Laura Kate
Chico State Distance Education Student

Chico State online student Laura Kate gives a tour of online courses in Blackboard Learn. She navigates through courses from different instructors to show the various ways that information and assignments are listed. Tip: Take the time to explore each course to make sure you’re familiar with each instructor’s method of organization. Presentation time: 6 minutes | View Now

Accessing Grades

Jessica
Chico State Distance Education Student

Online Social Science major Jessica shows how to view your grades in Blackboard Learn, and some shortcuts to navigate quickly between multiple classes and their grades. Presentation time: 3 minutes | View Now

Sending an Email

Jessica
Chico State Distance Education Student

Jessica, an online Social Science major, demonstrates how to easily communicate with instructors and other students using Messages in Blackboard Learn. She also shows the message formatting tools to change font styles, add links, and more. Presentation time: 3 minutes | View Now