What do I need to do before I use Blackboard Chat using my Windows computer?

Instructions for Downloading the JAVA Plug-in for Windows Operating Systems

The download is available from within your Blackboard course.

Step 1 - Login to Blackboard and navigate to your course. In the sidebar choose Communication, and then choose Collaboration.

Step 2 - The Virtual Classroom and/or Lightweight Chat may be listed. The Join button on the right will begin the Java Plug-in download AUTOMATICALLY however; on a dial up (56K) connection you will not experience immediate results. If you are on a dial up modem, the java install may take as long a one hour.

NOTE: Do not click on the links in the following message unless you are in need of an ACCESSIBLE VERSION of the Chat Room:

Virtual Classroom Loading...

Click here for an accessible version.

Java Plug-in is required for the Virtual Classroom to run. Java Plug-in should download and begin installation automatically. Download time will vary by connection speed.

If you do not have the Java Plug-in installed or have problems loading the Virtual Classroom application, please click here to download the Java Plug-in.

Step 3 - Choose “Yes” to accept the download. A series of files will begin to download to your computer.

Step 4 - Choose “Yes” to accept the terms of the License Agreement

Step 5 - Choose “Typical” and “Next” to set up the type of install for your needs. A series of files will begin to download to your computer.

Step 6 - At the completion of the download the Chat room will open in a pop-up window (exactly the way the Java download boxes appeared). Please see below for additional information regarding the Java plug-in download process.

• If you are on a dial up modem, the Java install may take as long a one hour.
• Attention AOL subscribers: Before you begin the download, you will need to open a second web browser to a webpage that, for example, operates a synchronized stock ticker or some other form of constant refresh of the information on the webpage. This will eliminate your AOL service from “timing out” and shutting down during the download.
• You may need to clear your Temporary Internet Files and delete your Cookies. In Internet Explorer click TOOLS, INTERNET OPTIONS, click DELETE COOKIES (which may take a while) when that's finished, click DELETE FILES (which may take a while also,) now click OK. Close Internet Explorer and open Internet Explorer and try again.
• If the Java Plug-in installation is interrupted you will need to uninstall the plug-in and start over. Attempting to install the plug-in multiple times will conflict with one another. To uninstall the plug-in go to your “Control Panel” and select “Add or Remove Programs”, choose the Java 2 Runtime Environment and remove.
• You will also need to turn off any PopUp Blockers or Firewalls you have installed on your computer. They will prevent you from accessing chat.
• You may need to do a Windows Update of your computer, go to http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp and click on the “Scan for updates” next to the green arrow box. Follow the recommendations for installing any updates your computer needs.
• If you have installed Java successfully but still can not access the chat room screen, be sure all other operations on your computer are closed.
• If you are on a computer in a school or government building you may be on a firewall that blocks chats. You will need to check with your IT/Tech coordinator.