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Information to Help You Get Started in Blackboard
Are You New to Online Learning?
All students who register for an online course for the first time at MATC, are required to complete COMPUB-798, Online Student Readiness. Taken concurrently with your online course, COMPUB-798 provides skill development on a number of topics that are essential to online learning success. It is self-paced, takes between 4.5 to 5 hours to complete, does not have to be completed in one session, and costs $4.50.
You may register for the course through INFOnline. Hint - Enter only 3 items in the search fields: Current semester, COMPUB from the subject menu, and type 798 into the course number field.
Review the tasks in the following modules to prepare for online learning!
1. Activate your MATC Account
New students must Activate their MATC Account to log into campus desktops, Gmail, Blackboard, and other applications. Using your 7-digit student ID as found on your course schedule or Stormer's card, carefully follow the instructions displayed on the screen to select a password and set up your security questions. Be sure to write this information down for your records!
For Login/Activation Problems - Contact the Help Desk at (414) 297-6541. Only the Help Desk can assist with login problems.
2. Log into your MATC Gmail
Your MATC Gmail account is your primary means of communication with the college and faculty. Through your school Gmail account, you have access to Google Drive, a suite of free tools you can use to create documents and store files. See the following resources to get started.
3. Update Your Rave Alert Contact Preferences
MATC uses the Rave Alert system to notify students in the event of an emergency and/or school closing. Log in with your MATC Account to update your desired contact methods.
4. Orient Yourself to Blackboard
Review the Student Guide to Blackboard Ultra and the login-free Online Blackboard Orientation. If desired, you may attend an in-person Blackboard Orientation at your local campus throughout the first few weeks of every semester. See the Online Blackboard Orientation for the in-person dates.
5. Review Your Technical Skills and Computer Requirements
Complete the Technical Skills Self Assessment to determine if you have the skills needed for online coursework and review these guides to prepare your computer:
6. Log into Blackboard
Before your classes begin, make sure that you are able to log into Blackboard with your MATC Account. To resolve a login problem, contact the Help Desk at 414-297-6541 or use the Online Password Manager to reset your password.
7. Find Your Course in Blackboard
Course enrollments from INFOnline appear on Blackboard's Courses page within 24 hours after registration. If you do not see your courses in Blackboard, first verify your enrollment status in INFOnline. Then, check your Blackboard Course List Settings.
Courses are initially marked as Private in Blackboard until the instructor makes them available to students by the course's official start date as listed in INFOnline. If a course does not become available by its start date, contact your instructor directly! Instructor information can be found by reviewing your course information in INFOnline.
8. Visit the MATC Bookstore Website
Because your course syllabus may not be available until the first day of class, we recommend visiting the MATC Bookstore website to see what books and supplies you may need for your classes.
9. Review the Student Support Site
The Student Blackboard Support Site is your source for how-to guides and troubleshooting tips. If you have questions about online learning, review the FAQ and use Contact Us Form.
10. Review Academic Standards of Success and Support Options
Last Updated 02.04.2020