One Blackboard App for Everyone

The Blackboard mobile application is based on the desktop website version of Blackboard. It comes equipped with many of the same features, allowing users to seamlessly move their learning experience from their desktop to mobile and back. This app also combines the formerly separate student and instructor applications into a single unified experience; all users may download the same app, then log in to see student or instructor specific content automatically.

The Blackboard mobile app allows students to view content and participate in courses, and instructors can grade and access course management tools directly from their mobile device (iOS or Android). The application has many features to help students stay informed, up-do-date, and connected:

• Access your courses and organizations to view and interact with course content
• Take assignments and tests
• Participate in discussions
• Interact with the instructor and class using Bb Collaborate Ultra (a synchronous web conferencing tool for virtual classes and meetings)
• Receive instant messages from UND via phone, text messages, or email
• View announcements about the campus and system status
   

Download the Blackboard App

The Blackboard app is compatible with devices running iOS 13+ and Android 11+. From your phone or tablet, access the appropriate app store to download and install. Please confirm that you've selected the new, combined version of the app before downloading – not the old student or instructor app.

Installation and Set-Up

The screenshots below demonstrate a first time set-up on iOS.

1. Click the following links above to download the app -or- open your app store and search for 'Blackboard'. You may see more than one Blackboard app, but currently, instructors and students will both use the version titled just 'Blackboard' (the 'Blackboard Instructor' app has been depreciated).
2. After the app has downloaded, open it and proceed with the first time set-up. You may be prompted to allow notifications (optional). Search for 'University of North Dakota' and select it from the drop-down menu. A check mark should appear to the right of the university field. Tap Continue with Web-Login to proceed.
   • If you are not given the Web-Login option with 'University of North Dakota', please try 'North Dakota University System' instead.
3. On the NDUS Portal Log-In page, enter your NDUS.identifier (firstname.lastname). This is the same username and password you use for Blackboard and email. Tap Log In to continue.
4. Blackboard's Terms of Use document will appear. Tap Agree to finish setting up the app. Now you can use the app to access your courses, organizations, messages, and grades on Blackboard! Please see the following section for more information about navigation.
    

Using the Blackboard App

You can use the mobile app to do many of the same things you do on the regular Blackboard site. To get started, use the main menu (at the bottom of the screen) to navigate to the desired area:

1. Institution Page - Landing page displayed after login, where you can see important announcements from UND
2. Stream - See an up-to-the-minute list of important course activity, including new content, announcements, and grades
3. Courses - Lists your Blackboard courses – click any course to view your current grade, assessment due dates, announcements, messages, course content, collaboration tools, and discussion boards. The following are not yet available on the mobile app: blogs, journals, wikis, and contacts
4. Calendar - Display a daily/monthly calendar with due dates and other important course and organization events (may not include all courses – instructors must opt in)
5. More - Access additional Blackboard pages and tools. This menu's contents depend on your user role (instructor vs. student)
   • View Profile - View or edit your personal profile information
   • Organization - Access your Blackboard organization sites
   • Grades - View grades from all of your courses in one place
   • Institution - Access the UND landing page (shown in the 'A' screenshot, above) where you can view important information and announcements from UND
   • Tools - Access Blackboard tools like the Content Collection, Portfolios, Goals, Performance, App Authorization, Reports, and more
   • Messages - Send and receive course messages with text and media attachment options
   • Settings - Edit app settings, like notifications and offline content, get help, and review the service and institution policy documents
   • Feedback - Rate and review your experience with the app (information is sent to Blackboard only)
   • Log Out - Sign out of your Blackboard account
      

Troubleshoot Problems

If you experience errors in the app (which may not be replicable by other users or institution administrators), please follow the steps below to clear Bb data from the device and reset the application:

Apple / iOS

1. Uninstall the Blackboard app.
2. Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data > Clear.
3. Restart your device.
4. Reinstall the Blackboard app.

Android

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Blackboard > Storage > Clear Data.
2. Uninstall the Blackboard app.
3. Restart your device.
4. Reinstall the Blackboard app.
    

Get Help

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, or if you run into any other problems while using the app, please follow these steps to find a solution:

Blackboard's Help tool - search for answers

1. Within the mobile app, tap the More icon in the bottom-right, select Settings, and then Help.
2. This will direct you to Blackboard's help site, where you can browse or search for answers.
3. If you need further assistance, please check UND's Knowledge Base or contact our help desk.

UND's Knowledge Base - search institution-specific information

1. Within the mobile app, tap the More icon in the bottom-right, select Institution.
2. This will open the main UND Institution page. Scroll down to the 'UND Blackboard Support' section and click the Blackboard Support link.
3. Browse or search UND's knowledge base for answers.

UND tech support - reach out for help

1. Within the mobile app, tap the More icon in the bottom-right, select Institution.
2. This will open the main UND Institution page. Scroll down to the 'UND Blackboard Support' section and click the Blackboard Support link.
3. Click the menu icon (top-left) > Services > Teaching and Learning > Blackboard > Request Service.
4. You will be prompted to log in using your firstname.lastname (same as your Blackboard and login), then you may submit a ticket.
5. Alternatively, you can use the 'Contact Us' information at the bottom of this article to call, chat, or submit a ticket.
    

Resources

• Bb App Help - Quick overview with links to popular pages and common issues
• Feature Guide - Describes functionality of items in the application's menus
• Students' Bb App Overview - Instructions and navigation information
• Instructors' Bb App Overview - Instructions and navigation information

Contact Us

Chat with Tech Support Submit a Ticket Call 701-777-2222