Navigating your online learning environment is crucial for academic success. Drexel University utilizes Blackboard Learn, often called Bb Learn or Drexel Learn, as its learning management system. This guide provides comprehensive troubleshooting steps if you encounter difficulties accessing Drexel Bb Learn, ensuring you can quickly get back to your coursework.
Bb Learn Overview at Drexel
For those new to Drexel Learn or needing a refresher, this video offers a helpful overview. While geared towards students, it’s beneficial for all users.
Video: Blackboard Learn or Drexel Learn Overview for Students
Alt text: Drexel Bb Learn overview video for students, demonstrating the platform interface and key features.
Initial Access Problems: Direct Login is Key
If you’re unable to log in to Bb Learn or experience access issues, your first step is to visit the Drexel Learn website directly. Avoid accessing it through DrexelOne or links provided in emails, even if sent by your professor.
Use the official web address: https://learn.dcollege.net/. Log in using your standard DrexelOne credentials.
If direct login fails, proceed to the following troubleshooting steps.
Browser Compatibility Issues with Bb Learn
Sometimes, browser-related problems can prevent access to Bb Learn. If the website isn’t loading or functioning correctly, try switching to a different web browser.
For optimal compatibility and performance with Drexel Bb Learn on laptops or desktops, use one of these recommended browsers:
- Chrome (Recommended – free download)
- Firefox (Free download)
- Safari (Pre-installed on macOS)
- Edge (Pre-installed on Windows)
While other browsers like Brave, Vivaldi, and Opera might sometimes work, they are not officially supported by Drexel IT and are not recommended for troubleshooting access issues. If your preferred browser is causing problems, test Drexel Learn with one of the recommended browsers listed above.
If switching browsers doesn’t resolve the issue, continue to the next solutions.
Utilizing Drexel VPN for Bb Learn Access
The Drexel Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be instrumental in resolving access issues, particularly when accessing Drexel resources from off-campus. If you’re struggling to reach Bb Learn or other Drexel websites, connecting via Drexel’s VPN is a worthwhile step.
A VPN creates a secure connection to Drexel’s network, regardless of your physical location. This can bypass connectivity issues and grant access to online resources that might be restricted off-campus.
To use Drexel VPN:
- Install the Cisco AnyConnect application. You can download it from vpn.drexel.edu.
Do not attempt to log in to Bb Learn directly through the vpn.drexel.edu website. This website is only for downloading the VPN application. - Configure the app to connect to vpn.drexel.edu.
- Connect to the VPN.
- Try accessing Bb Learn again at https://learn.dcollege.net/.
If you use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) with an authenticator app, ensure you approve the connection request when prompted. You may need to unlock your phone, open the authenticator app, and check for notifications to approve the VPN connection.
Advanced Network Solutions: DNS Settings
If the VPN solution is effective, but you prefer a solution that doesn’t require using the VPN each time, adjusting your network’s Domain Name System (DNS) settings can provide a more permanent fix for Bb Learn access and potentially improve your overall internet experience.
Setting your DNS to Cloudflare’s public DNS servers (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) has proven successful in resolving connectivity issues with Drexel websites, especially for users on networks like Xfinity/Comcast, which may utilize DNS resolvers that don’t interact optimally with Drexel’s online services.
Cloudflare’s DNS servers are known for their reliability, speed, and security, and configuring your network to use them can lead to a more stable and faster internet connection in general.
Instructions for changing your DNS settings to Cloudflare: Link to Instructions (Insert Drexel IT or Cloudflare Instructions here if available, otherwise a general guide).
Clearing Browser Cache for Bb Learn
If Bb Learn works in one browser but not your preferred one, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies in your preferred browser may resolve the issue. Cached data can sometimes interfere with website functionality.
Refer to these instructions for clearing your browser’s cache: Link to Instructions (Insert browser-specific cache clearing instructions here or link to a general guide).
Password Issues and Drexel Account Support
If you suspect your Bb Learn login credentials (username and password) are incorrect, or if you’ve forgotten your password, do not attempt to reset it directly through Bb Learn.
Contact the Drexel Accounts Office for password resets and account-related issues.
Drexel Accounts Office Contact Information:
- Phone: 215-895-2020
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://drexel.edu/it/help/a-z/accounts/
Accessing Class Recordings and Live Broadcasts on Bb Learn
For assistance with accessing lecture recordings or live broadcasts via Echo360 integrated within Bb Learn, consult these resources: [Links to Drexel Echo360 Help Pages (Insert Drexel specific links here)].
Note that access to some Echo360 recordings may be restricted and require instructor permission, particularly for students with valid reasons for class absence. Furthermore, not all on-campus classes are recorded.
Submitting Assignments and Participating in Discussion Boards
If you encounter challenges submitting assignments or engaging in discussion boards on Bb Learn, these guides provide step-by-step help:
- Discussion Board Help: [Link to Drexel Discussion Board Help Page (Insert Drexel specific link here)]
- Bb Learn Assignment Help: [Link to Drexel Assignment Submission Help Page (Insert Drexel specific link here)]
- Turnitin Direct Assignment Help: [Link to Drexel Turnitin Help Page (Insert Drexel specific link here)]
File Compatibility: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF
For guidance on creating or converting files to compatible formats for Bb Learn, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF, refer to software-specific help resources or Drexel IT support for recommendations.
Finding Grades and Feedback in Bb Learn
To locate your grades, instructor feedback, and comments on assignments or tests within Bb Learn, consult these resources: [Links to Drexel Grade and Feedback Help Pages (Insert Drexel specific links here)].
Contact Drexel ITG Blackboard Support for Further Assistance
If you have exhausted these troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing Bb Learn technical issues, Drexel ITG Blackboard Support is available to provide direct assistance.
When contacting Drexel ITG Blackboard Support, please provide them with the following information to expedite the troubleshooting process:
- Detailed description of the issue you are experiencing.
- Steps you have already taken from this guide.
- Your Drexel username.
- Course subject code, course number, and section number.
- Your computer’s hostname (if known).
Drexel ITG Blackboard Support Contact Options:
- Phone: (215) 895-1224 (24/7 availability). International charges may apply for calls from outside the US.
- Email: [email protected]
Additional Student Bb Learn Resources
For further student-specific Bb Learn help and resources, visit: [Link to Drexel Student Bb Learn Help Portal (Insert Drexel specific link here)].
