OIT Help Desk

FAQ: Web courses


What is a web-based course?

It is a University course offered on-line.

What is Blackboard?

It is a software package created by BlackBoard that ISU uses to create a web-based course.

How do I get an account for my web-based course?

Accounts for web-based courses are created automatically. Blackboard Course accounts use your Sycamore login and password. Your professor should set their course so that if you click on the link it will take to the course or you can navigate to http://blackboard.indstate.edu and login with your Sycamore login and password.

Why can’t I access my web-based course?

Your username and/or password may not be correct. If you have changed your password within blackboard you will need to use that password information. To verify your account information please see the question above about your account for your web-based course. If your account information still won’t work, notify the Help Desk.

Why do I get “Error level 401: Access denied” when accessing parts of my course?

You aren’t enrolled in the web course. You should speak with your professor.

How do I stop my web browser from saving my passwords?

Please see the instructions available here: Turning off and Resetting Autocomplete in IE

Why can’t I access any links to the library database from my web-based course?

You will encounter this problem when using an ISP (Internet Service Provider) other than ISU.  You will need to access the databases a little differently than while on campus.  Information on this is available at: New Library Proxy Information

How do I connect to SPSS or Minitab at ISU from off campus?

Windows Remote Desktop Connection or on a Mac you will have to install the Remote Desktop Connection software from Microsoft found here, then use the instructions located here.
Remote Desktop Connection enables off campus users to log onto an on campus computer and utilize software such as SPSS or network resources such as Banner that aren't available on their own machine. Windows has software built in to connect to a RDC.

Contact your professor to get a Blade3 account.