About Backpack

Blackboard Backpack is a client software program that can be used by students to seamlessly download all course information from Blackboard with 1 click. In addition, you can use Backpack to annotate and take notes on the downloaded course materials. Think of Backpack as your personal electronic handbook.

The Blackboard Backpack software is intended to be installed on your personal laptop or home computer, not on a campus computer lab computer. This software is ideal for students with laptops, especially tablet computers with annotation capabilities for notetaking.

Backpack is an "opt-in" software, allowing you to install the software if you choose. (It is not required in order to use Blackboard.)

Still wondering how Backpack works? CLICK HERE to find out!

This software application offers the following unique capabilities:

	Download and read course materials Take all your Blackboard learning materials offline so you can stay connected even when you're not. Automatically download new content and announcements every time you're online without ever logging in.
	Organize your assignments and life Stay on top of every class and activity using Backpack's integrated calendar and assignment tracking system.
	Personalize with annotations and notes Capture lecture notes, web page excerpts, PDF handouts, all your school stuff in a single location. Then write directly on it using exclusive Digital Paper technology. And every word of information is fully searchable.

For Students:

TIP: If you are a student with a dialup connection and you would like to start using Backpack, we recommend to synchronize (mobilize) while on campus for the first time. This will significantly reduce your download time. Then, incremental synchronization's (mobilizations) can occur via your dialup connection. Because you will be downloading incremental updates, your download times should be acceptable.

For Faculty:

TIP: In order for students to receive the full benefit of using Backpack, ideally you should use: the Blackboard Calendar, Announcements, Tasks, Staff Information, Gradebook, and place content into Content Areas that is optimized for the Web. Currently the Backpack software is best used by students, however, a future version of Backpack will have gradebook and discussion board synchronization.

PILOT PHASE

• Back in the Spring of 2006, GRCC was involved in piloting an exciting new client software application that works with Blackboard!
• Started February 20th, 2006
• Completed March 31st, 2006

DOWNLOAD NOW!

• CLICK HERE to Download
  Install Note: This software is intended to be installed on your personal laptop or home computer. The software has a free trial period. After the trial period, the cost is $49.95.

FAQs

• What is the URL for GRCC's Bb Server?
  When setting up your connection to Grand Rapids Community College, please use this URL: https://ilearnapp0.grcc.edu
• What happens to my old courses?
  Access to courses on Blackboard is bound to the semseter. However, Backpack is a great tool to use to save content from your courses and to maintain access to course materials beyond the semeseter. After the semester is completed, even though your course doesn't appear on Blackboard, you will still have a copy of the content on your Backpack.

RESOURCES

• Blackboard Backpack Support offered through Blackboard
• Seton Hall University currently deploys faculty laptops with Blackboard Backpack included. See the SHU Press Release for more information.
• Click here to see how Backpack works!

SUPPORT INFORMATION

• Blackboard Backpack Support offered through Blackboard
• Manual [PDF]