Blackboard

Zift Advisory

Blackboard is the mobile app for those students enrolled in schools using the web-based virtual learning and course management system. Free to download and rated for users of all ages, Blackboard is available for both iOS and Android devices. This app does not include any in-app purchases or advertisements. This app is safe for kids.

About Blackboard

What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is the mobile app for those students enrolled in schools using the web-based virtual learning and course management system.

Free to download and rated for users of all ages, Blackboard is available for both iOS and Android devices. This app does not include any in-app purchases or advertisements.

The mobile compliment to the web-based system, the Blackboard app allows students to access course materials, assignments, videos and participate in chats for online courses. The Blackboard app also assists students with managing and prioritizing workflow and tasks.

Not only does the Blackboard app enable students to access course content and due dates from their mobile device, but they are also able to communicate with teachers and classmates.

Because Blackboard is a web-based system, it is ideal for virtual or online classes, where students can contribute and access course information at any time of day, as opposed to set times.

Within the app, students can access what is called their “Stream” which is their workflow, drill directing into specific courses for announcements, discussions, content and assignments, review course grades and look at upcoming assignment due dates.

Users with the Blackboard app can access their coursework and content from anywhere with just a tap of their finger, without having to consult a paper planner.

When users first open the Blackboard app, they’ll be prompted to input their school, after which a login screen will appear. It’s important to note that students are only able to use the Blackboard system if their school is a subscriber and actively utilizes the platform.

Thus, students will already have a Blackboard username and password assigned from use on PCs, which is what they’ll use to login to the app portal. When logging in, students will be shown Blackboard’s terms of use and be prompted to accept before proceeding into the application.

Is Blackboard safe for my kids?

Parents should be aware that there is a mail function within the Blackboard system that allows students to email both their teachers and classmates. There are also areas for live group chats and discussions within the Blackboard system.

It’s important to note that some Blackboard app users have complained that video content is difficult to access and view through the mobile version. Blackboard has taken technical issues into account and released the following disclaimer:

This application functions as a collaborative tool between our app software and your institution's Blackboard Learn server. Blackboard cannot guarantee that the content created by instructors or other users will be compatible with this app. Your institution must enable access. Features and functionality may at times be limited if your institution has not updated the appropriate software or experiences server outages.

Parents should not have any concerns with their children using the Blackboard app but should know that the app is not always reliable so it may not be an excellent idea for students to rely on the mobile version to complete last-minute assignments.

Blackboard can be an especially helpful tool for students who struggle with scheduling, organization and prioritizing workflow, as all course information can be accessed through the application.

This app is safe for kids.