Academic Computing Training for Students

Blackboard, Starfish and Academic Tools Training Schedule for Students – Spring 2026

This training utilizes an asynchronous and synchronous delivery method. Training is available to both graduate and undergraduate students at BSU..

Synchronous (instructor-led) Training

This mode of delivery is virtual, and you can attend each session by clicking here to join. Below is the schedule for the training sessions.

Session I: Blackboard Learn Ultra Essentials
 Date: 03/04/2026
 Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Description: This session provides a walkthrough of Blackboard Ultra core features and Ultra course views. At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Access and submit assignments.
• Take quizzes and view grades.
• Navigate Blackboard Ultra course view.
• Participate in discussions and collaborative tools.
• Access announcements and communicate with instructors.
• Join virtual classes.

Instructors:
 • Mr. Belema Abi-Kalio
 • Mr. Samir Mahmoud

Session II: Blackboard Ultra Student Experience & Productivity Tools

 Date: 03/11/2026
 Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Description:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Monitor notifications and the Activity Stream.
• Access Blackboard using the mobile app.
• Navigate the course calendar and manage due dates.
• Update profile information and adjust basic settings.
• Submit assignments using cloud storage (OneDrive/Google Drive).
• Utilize productivity features to stay organized in Blackboard Ultra.

Instructors:
 • Mr. Belema Abi-Kalio
 • Mr. Samir Mahmoud

Session III: Academic Support & Attendance Tools

 Date: 03/25/2026
 Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Description: At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Log into Starfish, make appointments, and request help.
• Send emails to advisors and instructors.
• Check tracking items and connect with advisors.
• Log into Blackboard and access the Qwickly Attendance tool.
• Successfully check in during class sessions and view attendance records.
• Recognize and understand attendance status labels (e.g., Present, Absent, Excused).
• Install and configure the Respondus LockDown Browser for BSU.
• Take an exam using the LockDown Browser.
• Identify the pre-exam checklist when using LockDown Browser with Monitor enabled.
• Understand how Turnitin is used for assignment similarity checking.
• Access and use CircleIn to support collaboration and student engagement.

Instructors:
 • Mr. Belema Abi-Kalio
 • Samir Mahmoud

Session IV: Blackboard Ultra Student Experience & Productivity Tools

 Date: 04/01/2026
 Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Description:

At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Monitor notifications and the Activity Stream.
• Access Blackboard using the mobile app.
• Navigate the course calendar and manage due dates.
• Update profile information and adjust basic settings.
• Submit assignments using cloud storage (OneDrive/Google Drive).
• Utilize productivity features to stay organized in Blackboard Ultra.

Instructors:
 • Ms. Princessa Mwafongo
 • Mr. Samir Mahmoud

Asynchronous (self-paced) Training

The training course is available and accessible to all students on Blackboard. Additional materials are included to help familiarize you with Blackboard Learn Ultra and other academic tools at BSU.

 Cost: FREE

• Blackboard Learn Ultra Student Orientation (V2)
• Blackboard Learn with the Ultra Experience Video Tutorials - Students
• Blackboard Learn Help for Students - Ultra Course View
• Starfish Training for Students
• Turnitin-Student-Online Training

If you need assistance in the course, send a message to helpdesk@bowiestate.edu.Alternatively, you can contact the help desk directly within the course.

Past workshops

Blackboard and Starfish Training Schedule for Students – 2025

1. Asynchronous (self-paced) Training

The training is available in Blackboard. Please self enroll in the courses below. Cost: FREE

• Blackboard Learn Original Student Orientation
• Starfish Training For Students
• Blackboard Learn ULTRA Student Orientation
• Blackboard Student Peer Support
• Blackboard Learn with the Ultra Experience Video Tutorials - Students
• Bb Ultra Help For Students 
• Blackboard Help For Students-Original view 
• Blackboard Learn with the Original Experience Video Tutorials - Students
• Turnitin-Student-Online Training

If you need assistance in the course, send a message to helpdesk@bowiestate.edu

2. Synchronous (instructor-led) Training

This training uses both face-to-face and online delivery methods. This is designed for all BSU students: Graduate and Undergraduate. Please see the workshop schedule below.

Note: Registration is required for all sessions; email helpdesk@bowiestate.edu  and Cc academiccomputing@bowiestate.edu to register.

Location: Virtual 

Instructors:

• Princessa Mwafongo, MSc. (Technology Analyst)
• Belema Abikalio (Technology Accessibility Assistant)

Session I: Blackboard Basics

This session provides instructions on different aspects of Blackboard, such as assignments, quizzes, grades, attendance, zoom, etc.

Dates:  February 4, 2025—11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Click here to join 

Session II: Accessing Zoom and Teams on Blackboard Original and Ultra

These recurrent hands-on sessions provide students with the information required to use Zoom and Microsoft Teams in Blackboard for virtual class sessions and meetings.

Dates February 11, 2025—11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Click here to join

Session III: Starfish

Description: Starfish is a tool that provides an efficient way to quickly offer coordinated feedback and support to all students.

Dates:  February 18, 2025—11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Click here to join 

Session IV: Respondus Lockdown Browser

This session provides instructions on configuring Lockdown Browser and a one-on-one walkthrough for taking assessments (quizzes, tests, exams, etc.)

Dates:  February 25, 2025—11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Click here to join

3. Video Resources

Please visit Video Tutorials to learn how to use the tools in your Blackboard courses. These short on-demand video tutorials are targeted just for you and explain how to be successful.

4. FRSE101, HEED102, and COMM101 - Freshman Seminar, New and Transfer Students Training

The schedule of this training will be determined by the Freshman Seminar, HEED, COMM101 Coordinators, Instructors and Academic Computing Unit. To conduct this training, an Academic Computing instructor visits a Freshman Seminar class or several classes merged together.

5. Chat and Videoconferencing

This real-time training is conducted by Academic Computing instructors in Blackboard Collaborate. Please contact Academic Computing to schedule a session; use the contact link on the menu of this page. Cost: FREE.

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Spring 2024

Location: Virtual - Click Zoom Meeting to join

Meeting ID: 85737378790

Instructors:

• Bankole Oluwole, MSc. (Technology Analyst)
• Princessa Mwafongo, MSc. (Technology Analyst)
• Anthony Owolabi (Graduate Assistant)
• Belema Abikalio (Technology Accessibility Assistant)

 

Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Blackboard Basics – This session provides instructions on different aspects of Blackboard, such as assignments, quizzes, grades, attendance, zoom, and BB Class Collaborate.

 

Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

iCAN/Starfish - This session provides instructions on logging into Starfish, making appointments, requesting help, and sending emails to advisors and instructors.

 

Date: Thursday, March 7, 2024 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Respondus Lockdown Browser – This session provides instructions on configuring Lockdown Browser and a one-on-one walkthrough for taking assessments (quizzes, tests, exams, etc.)

 

Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Blackboard Ultra – In this session, we delve into the dynamic features of Blackboard Ultra, offering a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and how it can transform the educational experience.

 

Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Blackboard Ultra – In this session, we delve into the dynamic features of Blackboard Ultra, offering a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities and how it can transform the educational experience.

 

Date: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Qwickly Attendance - This session provides instructions on how to take attendance, check in during class sessions, and check attendance records.

 

Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024 (11:00 AM – 12:00 AM)

Blackboard Mobile App - This session provides a walkthrough on navigating Blackboard using the mobile app; it gives students the information they want and the personalization they demand on the go.

 

Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Respondus Lockdown Browser – This session provides instructions on configuring Lockdown Browser and a one-on-one walkthrough for taking assessments (quizzes, tests, exams, etc.)

Instructors:

• Anthony Owolabi (Graduate Assistant)
• Belema Abikalio (Technology Accessibility Assistant)

 

Date: Thursday, May 2, 2024 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Blackboard Learn and Starfish Basics – This session provides instructions on different aspects of Blackboard, such as assignments, quizzes, grades, attendance, zoom, Blackboard Class Collaborate and starfish.

Instructors:

• Anthony Owolabi (Graduate Assistant)
• Belema Abikalio (Technology Accessibility Assistant)

 

2. Asynchronous (self-paced) Training

The training is available on Blackboard. Please self-enroll in the courses below.

Cost: FREE

• Starfish Training For Students
• Blackboard Student Peer Support
• Blackboard Learn Original Student Orientation
• Blackboard Learn ULTRA Student Orientation

If you need assistance in the course, send a message to helpdesk@bowiestate.edu

Fall and Summer 2023

Blackboard and Starfish Training Schedule for Students – December 2023

• Online Sessions
• Dates: Thursday, December 7, 2023 and Thursday, December 14, 2023 (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
• Location: Virtual - Click  Zoom Meeting to join 
• Meeting ID: 834 5241 2588
• Blackboard Intermediate – This session provides the following instructions. 
  • How to use Respondus Lockdown Browser for taking  exams.
  • How to view and understand grades.
  • How to check assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • How to view attendance on Qwickly
• Instructors:
  • Oluwatoyin Parrish, MSc. (Technology Analyst)
  • Chukwuyem Obima, MSc. (Technology Analyst)

Note: These are walk-in sessions and no prior registration is required.

Blackboard and Starfish Training Schedule for Students – September 2023

• Date: Friday, September 8, 2023 (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
• Location: Virtual -  Zoom Meeting
• Blackboard Basics– This session provides instructions on different aspects of Blackboard such as assignments, quizzes, my grades, attendance, zoom, Class Collaborate.
• Blackboard Basics and Intermediate - This session provides instructions on different aspects of Blackboard such as assignments, quizzes, my grades, attendance, zoom, Class Collaborate.
• Instructors: Academic Computing Team 

• Date: Friday, September 22, 2023 (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
• Location: Virtual - Zoom Meeting
• Blackboard Basics – This session provides instructions on how to configure Lockdown Browser and one-on-one walkthrough for taking assessments (quizzes, tests, exams, etc.)
• Instructors: Academic Computing Team

• Date: Friday, September 15, 2023 (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
• Location: Virtual -  Zoom Meeting
• Blackboard Intermediate: Starfish - This session provides instructions how to login into starfish, make appointment, request for help, send email to advisors, and instructor.
• Instructors: Academic Computing Team

• Date: Friday, September 29, 2023 (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
• Location: Virtual -  Zoom Meeting
• Blackboard Intermediate: Qwickly Attendance - This session provides instructions how to take attendance, check in during class session and check attendance records
• Instructors: Academic Computing Team

Note: These are walk-in sessions and no prior registration is required.

Summer 2023

Blackboard and Starfish Training Schedule for Students – July 2023

• Date: Monday, July 17, 2023 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
• Location: Virtual -  Zoom Meeting
• Blackboard Basics– This session provides instructions on different aspects of Blackboard such as assignments, quizzes, my grades, attendance, zoom, Class Collaborate.
• Instructors:

Ms. Mharinbinta Ferdous, PhD. Technology Assistant, Academic Computing and Online Course Support

Ms. Princessa Mwafongo, PhD. Technology Assistant, Academic Computing and Online Course Support 

• Date: Monday, July 17, 2023 (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
• Location: Virtual - Zoom Meeting
• Respondus Lockdown Browser – This session provides instructions on how to configure Lockdown Browser and one-on-one walkthrough for taking assessments (quizzes, tests, exams, etc.)
• Instructors:

Ms. Mharinbinta Ferdous, PhD. Technology Assistant, Academic Computing and Online Course Support

Ms. Princessa Mwafongo, PhD. Technology Assistant, Academic Computing and Online Course Support

 

• Date: Monday, July 24, 2023 (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
• Location: On Campus, in-person - DIT, Thurgood Marshall Library, Grad Lab 090A
• Starfish - This session provides instructions how to login into starfish, make appointment, request for help, send email to advisors, and instructor.
• Instructors:

Ms. O. Parrish, MSc. Technology Analyst, Academic Computing and Online Course Support

Mr. Azubuike Enwere, MSc. Technology Analyst, Academic Computing and Online Course Support 

• Date: Thursday, July 27, 2023 (4:30 PM – 5:00 PM)
• Location: Virtual -  Zoom Meeting
• Qwickly Attendance - This session provides instructions how to take attendance, check in during class session and check attendance records
• Instructors:

Mr. Damilola Akinola, Technology Analyst, Academic Computing and Online Course Support

Ms. Sara Ibrahim, Technology Analyst, Academic Computing and Online Course Support

 

• Date: Saturday, July 29, 2023 (11:00 AM – 12:00 AM)
• Location: Virtual -  Zoom Meeting
• Blackboard Mobile App - This session provides a walkthrough on how to navigate Blackboard using the mobile app, it gives students the information they want and the personalization they demand, on the go.
• Instructors:

Mr. Damilola Akinola, Technology Analyst, Academic Computing and Online Course Support

Ms. Sara Ibrahim, Technology Analyst, Academic Computing and Online Course Support

Note: These are walk-in sessions and no prior registration is required.

Asynchronous (self-paced) Training

The training is available in Blackboard. Please, self-enroll in the course through this link. If you need assitance in the course, send a message to the instructor using the corresponding course menu item "Send Email to Instructor." Cost: FREE

Synchronous Training

This training uses both face-to-face and online delivery methods. 

• FRSE101-Freshman Seminar Training: The schedule of this training will be determined by the Freshman Seminar Coordinator, Instructors and Academic Computing Unit. To conduct this training, an Academic Computing instructor visits a Freshman Seminar class or several classes merged together.
• Campus-Wide Schedule: This training is designed for all BSU students, Graduate and Undergraduate. Please see workshop schedule below.
• Chat and Videoconferencing: This real-time training is conducted by Academic Computing instructors in Blackboard Collaborate. Please contact Academic Computing to schedule a session; use the contact link on the menu of this page. Cost: FREE.
• Video Resources: Please visit Video Tutorials 

Blackboard and Starfish Essential Workshop for Students 

April and May Schedule

Students, learn how to use the tools in your Blackboard courses and iCAN. These short on demand training sessions provide tips for success in your online/in-presence learning course environments.

In Person Sessions

April Schedule

Students, learn how to use the tools in your Blackboard courses and iCAN. These short on demand training sessions provide tips for success in your online/in-presence learning course environments.

Note: These are walk-in sessions and no prior registration is required.