Welcome to Blackboard at Biola - For Students
Some instructors at Biola use Blackboard to post grades, provide documents online, or have online class discussions. This page tells you how to use Blackboard at Biola. If you intend to print this page, use this 2-page printer-friendly PDF version of this page.
Logging In, Passwords
A Blackboard account has already been created for you. The username is your student ID number, and you can find the initial password on the Biola Portal site, https://portal.biola.edu/Portal. Log in to the Portal and then click on the Password icon at the top, then on the Blackboard tab. (See this link for info on logging in to the Portal). These icons look like this:
Once you know your username and Blackboard password go to http://biola.blackboard.com/ and click the User Login button, then fill in your account information and click Login:
We assigned you an initial password like JCLA1234 for James Clark with Social Security number 123-34-1234, using your first initial, first 3 letters of your last name, and the last four digits of your social security number. (If you have no social security number, use the month and year of your birth, like 1289 for December 1989; If your last name is shorter than 3 letters, use your whole last name, like JOH1234 for John Oh). The Portal only displays your initial Blackboard password, not your new password if you've changed it already.
If you are having trouble figuring out your password, click “Forgot password?”. Remember: your “Username” is your Biola ID number. This will email you a link to change your password (probably to your BUBBS email account). Still can't figure it out? Call the IT HelpDesk at x4740 or (562)903-4740.
To avoid having to click "User Login" each time, I recommend saving a bookmark to http://biola.blackboard.com/webapps/login/.
Change Your Password
To change your password, click "Personal Information" then "Change Password":
We recommend you change it to your Portal or BUBBS password so it's easy to remember.
Your Classes
After you log in, you will see a list of your classes. This list includes all classes you've been enrolled in for the past few semesters, even if the instructor did not use Blackboard for your class.
You can click the little pencil icon to the right of "My Courses" to edit which classes appear in this list. You may want to turn off "Display Course Name" and "Display Announcements" for old classes or classes that don't use Blackboard.
Links
Using your own computer? You can make sure your browser and plug-ins are compatible at this Browser Tune-Up site. (The computers in Biola's labs are all compatible.)
U. Maryland's Instructions on Submitting a File to the Dropbox - Your instructor may have you turn in files with the Drop Box - this page has detailed instructions.
SELU's Guide to Blackboard's Discussion Board - Instructions on using the online discussion tool.
Other Accounts at Biola
Every Biola student has several computer accounts. Your Blackboard account is just one of them. Here's the list:
- Blackboard Account - Username is your Student ID Number (like "1234567")
- BUBBS Email account - User ID is your Student ID Number
- Biola Portal Account - Use your NetID (like "janed47")
See the Student Information page of the Computer Support web site for more info on all of these accounts.
Questions? Need Help?
The Biola HelpDesk can help you with passwords & log in issues. Their hours are usually 8:00am-5:00pm weekdays, x4740 or 562-903-4740. See the HelpDesk website. For class-specific questions, contact your instructor.
You may also contact Matthew Weathers, the Blackboard administrator via BUBBS, or leave voicemail on Biola's Blackboard 24-hour help line at 562-322-7427.