Student Tip #1
Get On-site Help: If you are having difficulties using the system or one of its functions contact the TRCC Blackboard Vista support person.
a.    860-885-2313 or 860 885-2334
b.    amactaggart@trcc.commnet.edu or ITHelp@trcc.commnet.edu

Student Tip #2
Navigation:
a. Even if you are not a first time user, take the time to orient yourself to your course and all of its features and components.  Access to Vista is granted two weeks prior to the start of classes, use this time!

b. There is an online Vista tutorial loaded into every course.  Watch it.

Student Tip #3
Anticipate: Don’t wait until the exact due date/time to submit assignments.  Anticipating possible problems and taking steps to avoid them will help you in the end. 

Student Tip #4
Access: Know your username and password before class starts.  Write them down.

Student Tip #5
Computer Readiness: Find out the computer and software specifications before your class and take the necessary steps to prepare your system.  Take a look at the CTDLC web-based, self-paced course in computer, email, word processing and web navigation skills.    http://www.ctdlc.org/remediation/

Student Tip #6
Document Formats: Get in the habit of saving your documents in universal form (.rtf or .txt)

Student Tip #7
Submissions: Double check that your submission went through!  Vista keeps a record of everything successfully transferred/sent to an instructor through the system.  If you don’t have a record (in the e-mail sent folder, on the “Assignments” sent tab, or in “Assessments” completed attempts), neither will your professor.

Student Tip #8
Bookmark this site: http://my.commnet.edu.  You will need this site to change your password and gain initial access to Vista.

Student Tip #9
Check in: Get in the habit of checking back often.  Because Vista is available 24/7 students can make posts and submissions any time; so can professors.

Student Tip #10
Formatting messages: Use the HTML creator to add formatting and make emails and message board posts more readable.  Yes, you will need to turn it on every time. 

Student Tip #11
Message Boards: Familiarize yourself with the general rules and etiquette of posting message boards before creating a thread or making your first post. Here is a resource to familiarize you with college expectations and etiquette: http://www.sfccnm.edu/sfcc/files/970.pdf. Your professor may have additional expectations to share with you.

Student Tip #12
Instructor Availability: Realize that just because the system is available 24/7, that doesn’t mean your professor will be.  If their online hours and response times are not clearly stated in their syllabus ask for them.  This should help reduce some of the anxiety you feel with regards to response time.

Student Tip #13
Receiving E-mail: You can forward your Vista email to your personal email account.  Simply click the mail forwarding button from the Vista e-mail client.  Type in your complete e-mail address and hit save.  Every e-mail sent to you for that course will now result in a copy being sent to your personal e-mail account.

Student Tip # 14
Which course is it? Avoid potential confusion. Hide inactive courses from being displayed on your “My Blackboard” page by clicking the pencil icon located in the top right-hand corner of the “Course List” box. Follow the steps shown when the icon is clicked.

Student Tip #15
Blank Page? If a page appears blank when selected, check the file extension, you may need a specific viewer or player (Acrobat, Flash, Office 2007 Converter, Shockwave, etc) in order to view the content.  If you are sure that you have the appropriate readers/players try opening the file in another supported browser.