Orientation: Blackboard/Vista Essentials
This step in the online orientation covers Blackboard/Vista, a popular web-based course management system used at Texas A&M.
Will your program be using Vista*? If so, then the Vista Learner Readiness Module, provided by Texas A&M University's Instructional Technology Services (ITS), is a must for you. If you know for sure that you will be using Vista then we highly recommend that you set aside 30-60 minutes now, or at the end of this orientation, to complete this separate Vista orientation . The module includes information about Vista and how to use Vista, including links to student tutorials. This module works best in Internet Explorer. Go to the Vista Orientation module now (then click on 'Vista Resources' and then click on 'Learner Readiness Module').
How to Log in to Vista at Texas A&M University
When you are enrolled in a course that utilizes Vista, you are in a virtual classroom. Your Vista ID (username) and password protect your data like a key does for your locker.
To login to Vista go to http://elearning.tamu.edu/, click on 'TAMU Logon' and enter your username and password. Your Vista ID (username) and password are the same as your University NetID and password. After you have successfully logged on you will automatically be able to see links to all Vista courses for which you are enrolled.
Vista Tutorials
Handouts
This ITS web page has handouts for Vista on the following topics:
- Posting Discussion Messages
- Using the Mail Tool
- Submitting Assignments
- Viewing Announcements
Demos
Online demonstrations are available at http://itsinfo.tamu.edu/vistademos/student/student_demos.htm
on the following topics:
- Navigate in Vista?
- Take a Quiz?
- Submit Assignments?
- View Calendar Entries?
- Create Calendar Entries?
- View and Send Discussion Posts?
- Upload and Manage Files?
- Use the HTML Creator?
- View and Send Mail?
