Blackboard will be used for ALL your classes, not just the online classes. Most instructors will have you turn in assignments on Blackboard, so be sure to learn how to use it before classes begin!
One important item to note: all of your online courses will have an assignment that will be DUE that first week of classes. You MUST complete this and turn it in on time (often on the first Wednesday or Thursday) or you will be automatically dropped from your class!
Although you can get to Blackboard from the KCTCS app or by searching for Blackboard directly, in order to keep your account password synced up correctly, it is best to reach Blackboard through the MyPath website. We also recommend using the Firefox or Chrome browser; Safari and Edge both have had issues with Blackboard.
Go to MyPath.kctcs.edu, and then click on the Blackboard tile
Click on the Courses link in the navigation menu on the left-hand side of your screen.
This will bring up all your courses.
If you are a newer student, you won't have many courses listed, but as you take more, the list grows (they don't disappear when you complete a course). One way to help you find your current classes quickly, is by clicking on the star that's to the far-right of the course name. Clicking the star will make it purple AND will move that class up to Favorites, at the top of the list. At the end of the semester, you can click it again, which will make it white and move it back down towards the bottom.
Another important thing to note is the class called Orientation to Online Learning. This is a class that is in every student's Blackboard list and is available to complete before classes even start.
There are a couple reasons why taking this class is so important. Completing this course BEFORE classes start helps prepare you for your first day.
1. There is no better way to learn how Blackboard works ... what to expect from online courses, how in-person courses also use Blackboard, what and where the class Syllabus is, how to upload your homework assignments, etc.
2. Some instructors will require you to complete the Orientation to Online Learning course. By doing it before classes start, you will be saving yourself a LOT of time. Once classes get started, you'll be consumed by other assignments that are due. The orientation isn't difficult, but it can be time-consuming, so get it done early.
After completing the Orientation course, you'll receive an email in your student email account. Save this email to turn in to instructors who do require you to take this course.
Don't forget: all of your online courses will have an assignment that will be DUE that first week of classes. You MUST complete this and turn it in on time (often on the first Wednesday or Thursday) or you will be automatically dropped from your class!