FAQS

It is important to note that course messages and student email (SMAIL) are not the same thing.  SMAIL can be used to communicate with anyone.  Course messaging is used for communication within your online class only.  Note: If you are only checking course messages, you are going to miss out on very important information from the university so be sure to check both regularly. 

Introduction to Messages

The Messages feature can be accessed from the base navigation as well as from within a course. You can use this tool to communicate to your teacher and other users. Messages may be sent to a single other user, a group of users, or the entire class. If your teacher has sent a message to the entire class, keep in mind that you may not be able to respond to the message. 

Instructions

Open your course. 

Click on the Messages header within the course.

After clicking on the Messages header, click on the New Message button to type a new message.

Click the looking glass icon, choose the course member, instructor, or group. A content window will open allowing you to select the recipient(s) you wish to message and a space to type your message. 

Click the Send button once your message is complete.

Messaging Tips

Keep these tips in mind when working with messages:

• You must check this area frequently as the messages are NOT sent to your email. These messages reside only in the Blackboard Learn system. 
• Messages are organized by course and can be viewed and replied to from the main interface. New messages can also be created here.
• You can message one or many users. If a new user needs to be added to the conversation, you can add them to the message.