Blackboard and My MAC:
How Can I Get Them to Work Nicely with One Another?

 

Ø      Step One: Configure your MAC to work better with Blackboard.  This means installing and using Blackboard’s recommended software. 

Ø      Step Two: Blackboard is a PC-based product.  Be sure to create course materials that can be accessible to all kinds of users whether MAC or PC. 

Ø      Step Three: MACs cannot view documents within the browser.  Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Netscape are configured to automatically download most documents into the Download Manager, onto the Desktop, or some other location.    

MAC OS Recommended Browser Settings for Blackboard

Step One: Download and Install a Recommended Browser

Mozilla Firefox

·        http://www.mozilla.com

·        Download the version appropriate for your MAC OS.

 

Apple Safari

·        http://www.apple.com/safari

·        Download the version appropriate for your MAC OS.

 

Step Two: Download and Install the Java MRJ

·        You will need this tool to use the Virtual Classroom.

·        http://developer.apple.com/java/download.html

 

 Step Three: Enable both JavaScript and Java to work on your MAC

To enable JavaScript:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click Edit.
  3. Select Preferences.
  4. Select Web Content under Web Browser section.
  5. Click on the checkbox next to the words Enable Scripting, then click OK.

 

To enable Java:

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click Edit.
  3. Select Preferences.
  4. Select Java under the Web Browser section.
  5. Click on the box next to Enable Java (Apply MRJ), and then click OK.

Step Four: Enable Cookies

  1. Click Edit.
  2. Select Preferences.
  3. Select Cookies under Receiving Files section.
  4. When receiving cookies: Never Ask.

Note: Some people are nervous about allowing cookies onto their machine, which is why many opt to disable the cookie features.  Only use Internet Explorer when you are using Blackboard, and switch to your preferred browser when doing other tasks online. 

Create Files that are Easy to Share in Blackboard

If you are using a MAC and sharing files with your instructors or classmates on Blackboard, you may have encountered some problems. 

File Extensions

Blackboard expects PC style file-type extensions in order to recognize documents correctly.  Solution: Add the three character file type extension to your Mac file names. This will allow PC users to easily read your files.  Here is a list of some of the most common file types:  

  • .doc: used for Microsoft Word documents
  • .xls: used for Microsoft Excel documents
  • .ppt: used for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations
  • .htm or .html: used for HTML documents
  • .txt: used for plain text files
  • .jpg: used for JPEG image files
  • .gif: used for GIF image files
  • .mov: used for QuickTime movie files
  • .pdf: used for Adobe PDF files

When you attempt to save a file, be sure to add on the appropriate file extension.  If the file you are saving is called “syllabus” be sure to type “syllabus.doc”.

Note: If you are Using OS X, your MAC will automatically add appropriate file extensions for Office Files (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Digital Drop Box

Before uploading your files, be sure that your file includes the appropriate extension (eg. .html, .doc, .xls).  Refer to the above section for more information.