Blackboard Usage at NIU

Academic Courses

Blackboard is used by nearly all NIU faculty and students for 79.2% of all course sections (Fall 2023). We have also analyzed how faculty are using Blackboard, and find that a majority of courses each semester make extensive use of the capabilities of the system. Blackboard integrates with other cutting-edge tools for teaching and learning including video applications, publisher platforms, student engagement systems, and exam proctoring.

Other Uses

In addition to scheduled academic courses, Blackboard is used in a variety of ways to support the mission of the university:

Departmental communication to students by major/minor on events and program deadlines
Development and storage of course materials for upcoming and previous semesters
Student portfolios for program assessment and supporting job searches
Department and programmatic assessment across courses, including general education assessment
Storage and delivery of electronic reserves using a process custom-developed by the University Libraries and DoIT
Secure storage and sharing of files for graduate student application review

About Blackboard

Get Help

Technical Support and Student Help

Division of IT Service Desk

815-753-8100
servicedesk@niu.edu

Teaching Support and Faculty Help

Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning

815-753-0595
citl@niu.edu