2008 Woodie Awards
Blackboard failure leaves students in the dark
Marcy Waters
Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: News
As most students were trying to enjoy a last day with their families during Family Weekend, others were trying to find a way to turn in assignments and take tests on the Blackboard network. Many found they could not access the Blackboard network from the Tarleton home page.
On Sunday, students who were using computers outside of the Tarleton network were unable to access any Tarleton Web sites. Downed sites included Blackboard as well as Duck Trax. Some students were able to use shortcuts, such as direct Web site bookmarks, or by entering the URL of the desired site. Many students were left with no way to access the network.
Some students tried calling the IT Department only to find that Tarleton network personnel do not work on the weekends. This left students searching anywhere they could for help and some of them turned to the Dick Smith Library staff.
"We started getting calls from students but at first we were not able to help because we could not access the network either," said Tina Klien, evening Circulation Supervisor in the Dick Smith Library. "Finally, Cathy Wilterding, our Reference Librarian, was able to find the direct URL for the Blackboard page and we gave it to the students that called for the rest of the night."
If any student experiences difficulties accessing the Blackboard network from the Tarleton home page, try accessing it directly via this URL: http://online.tarleton.edu/Dual/DualLoginPage.htm or contact Blockboard support by email: support.citde@tarleton.edu
To contact the IT Department call: 254-698-9885
On Sunday, students who were using computers outside of the Tarleton network were unable to access any Tarleton Web sites. Downed sites included Blackboard as well as Duck Trax. Some students were able to use shortcuts, such as direct Web site bookmarks, or by entering the URL of the desired site. Many students were left with no way to access the network.
Some students tried calling the IT Department only to find that Tarleton network personnel do not work on the weekends. This left students searching anywhere they could for help and some of them turned to the Dick Smith Library staff.
"We started getting calls from students but at first we were not able to help because we could not access the network either," said Tina Klien, evening Circulation Supervisor in the Dick Smith Library. "Finally, Cathy Wilterding, our Reference Librarian, was able to find the direct URL for the Blackboard page and we gave it to the students that called for the rest of the night."
If any student experiences difficulties accessing the Blackboard network from the Tarleton home page, try accessing it directly via this URL: http://online.tarleton.edu/Dual/DualLoginPage.htm or contact Blockboard support by email: support.citde@tarleton.edu
To contact the IT Department call: 254-698-9885
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