Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC)

Community College of Allegheny County

Distance Learning: Blackboard Access and Information

Blackboard Access
To access Blackboard: http://courses.ccac.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Blackboard:

Use the following link to check if your web browser meets the minimum standards for Blackboard: System Check (Baldwin Wallace College)

Please note: the System Check link above will check the settings of your web browser and the availability of several plug-ins.

Important note for Windows Vista/Internet Explorer 7 users
An incompatibility has been discovered for Microsoft Windows Vista users using Blackboard. This issue will not allow text boxes to show when using the Discussion Board and completing exams with essay questions. To resolve this issue in Blackboard:

    1. Click on My Courses @ CCAC
    2. From the Tools box (located to the left), click Personal Information
    3. Next, click Set Text Box Editor Options
    4. Select Unavailable and click Submit

Important note for Internet Explorer 8 users
Internet Explorer 8 is known to cause issues during testing.  This issue will cause the Timer box to cover the Save and Submit buttons in an exam.  Internet Explorer 8 must be put in Compatibility View mode prior to accessing an exam.  For instructions on doing this: Internet Explorer 8 Compability View

Blackboard FAQ

What is Blackboard

Blackboard is CCAC's course management system used for Internet, Web-enhanced and technology supported courses.  Blackboard is accessed through the Internet; therefore there is no software to install or download to your computer.  Verify your computers settings with the Minimum Technical Requirements for using Blackboard.

Sample Blackboard Course Lesson

To view a sample lesson of a course in Blackboard:

Blackboard Access

To access Blackboard: http://courses.ccac.edu/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Blackboard:

Use the following link to check if your web browser meets the minimum standards for Blackboard:

Please note: the System Check link above will check the settings of your web browser and the availability of several plug-ins.

Important note for Windows Vista/Internet Explorer 7 users

An incompatibility has been discovered for Microsoft Windows Vista users using Blackboard. This issue will not allow text boxes to show when using the Discussion Board and completing exams with essay questions.
To resolve this issue in Blackboard:

  1. Click on My Courses @ CCAC
  2. From the Tools box (located to the left), click Personal Information
  3. Next, click Set Text Box Editor Options
  4. Select Unavailable and click Submit

Important note for Internet Explorer 8 users

Internet Explorer 8 is known to cause issues during testing.  This issue will cause the Timer box to cover the Save and Submit buttons in an exam.  Internet Explorer 8 must be put in Compatibility View mode prior to accessing an exam.  For instructions on doing this: Internet Explorer 8 Compability View

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Internet and Web-enhanced Students using Blackboard

Obtaining a NetID account

Internet and Web-enhanced students will receive a letter from the Distance Learning  (DL) Center prior to the start of the semester regarding their NetID account and information on logging in to CCAC’s Blackboard system.

  • The DL Center will typically begin sending out information three (3) weeks prior to the start of the Distance Learning Term
  • Letters will be mailed to all students who register up to two business days prior to the start of the semester
  • Students who do not receive a letter or registered after two business days prior to the start of the semester must send an email to dlsupport@ccac.edu including:
    • First and Last name
    • Student ID number  (Required for NetID account support)
    • Course(s) for which they are registered
      *You will typically get a reply within 2 business days*
  • Returning students will continue to use their existing NetID username and password from the previous semester

Important: NetID accounts for first time Internet and Web-enhanced students will not be available until 24 hours after the student has registered.

Logging in to Blackboard

  • Once login information is received, students are encouraged to login to Blackboard as soon as possible, such that potential login problems are resolved prior to the start of the semester.

Accessing Internet and Web-enhanced course sites

  • After successfully logging in to Blackboard, you will have immediate access to a course labeled “Welcome: Start Here” which is the orientation site for students taking Distance Learning courses at CCAC
  • You will not have access to their registered courses until the first day of the term

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All other students requesting Blackboard access

Obtaining a NetID account

In some non-distance Learning courses, instructors may choose to put course materials into a Blackboard course site.  Access to this Blackboard course site is optional and you will not be penalized for not using this site.  If you choose to opt-in to using the Blackboard course site:

  • You must create a NetID account in a campus open lab:
    • Allegheny: Room L500
    • Boyce:       Room S588
    • North:        Room 2005
    • South:       Room L482

Accessing Blackboard course sites

Your instructor will typically only enroll students into their course site once during the first week of class.

  • If you register late or do not have access to your instructors course site, please first contact your instructor

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NetID: Student Network Accounts

NetID accounts provide students with one main network account to access CCAC’s network resources including:

  • Logon to College PC’s
  • Student academic email
  • Upload academic web pages
  • Access library resources from off-campus
  • Access Blackboard

For complete information on NetID accounts: NetID Student Network Accounts

Please Note: Passwords expire every 90 days.  If you have forgotten your NetID password or you are having difficulties changing your NetID password, please contact your Local CCAC Open Lab:

  • Online:                  http://entrypoint.ccac.edu/
  • ServiceDesk:         412.237.3275
  • Allegheny:             412.237.2655
  • Boyce:                  724.325.6722
  • North:                    412.369.4153
  • South:                   412.469.6328

Important: If you have registered to use CCAC Central E-services, your NetID account is NOT the same as your CCAC Central account, even through the usernames are the same.

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CCAC Academic Email

All students using Blackboard (for distance learning or traditional courses) are required to use their CCAC academic email account for all correspondence pertaining to those courses.  Instructors may ignore course related email from any personal email account.

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Blackboard Technical Support

Blackboard technical support is available:

Normal support hours

  • Mon. - Thurs:     7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
  • Fri.:                   7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Sat.:                  9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Sun.:                 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

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