During Class

FAQs

How do I join my virtual instructor-led class?

Your virtual instructor-led class is available to join up to 30 minutes before scheduled start time. We recommend you join your class as early as possible to be ready for class.

You can launch your class directly from BlackbaudU Campus:

  1. Go to https://learn.blackbaud.com.

  2. Locate your course under the My Calendar section of the homepage.

  3. Select the Course Title.

  4. Click the down arrow to the right of the printer icon to the right of the course name.

  5. Select Join the Webinar.

How do I activate my Microsoft Teams audio connection?

Before joining a session, you will be prompted to set your audio and microphone settings. If you are experiencing audio issues during class, follow the instructions below. Please note there are two different versions of Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams classic or browser:

  1. Go to the More icon at the top of the screen.

  2. Choose Settings and then Device Settings.

  3. Ensure your Speaker setting matches the correct audio device.

New Microsoft Teams:

  1. Go to the More icon at the top of the screen.

  2. Choose Audio settings.

  3. Ensure the Speaker option matches the correct audio device.

Alternatively, you can use phone audio in either version of Teams by using the More icon at the top of the screen, choosing Call Me, and entering your phone number.

Where can I access my course materials for the course?

Course Materials are designed to supplement the instruction and demonstrations you’ll see in your virtual instructor-led class, with the goal of active participation and note-taking in mind. Use this resource however you’d like, whether to highlight impactful takeaways, write down answers to activities, or make note of whatever you think will be useful later.

Course Materials are available before or after class from BlackbaudU Campus. To download Course Materials:

  1. Go to https://learn.blackbaud.com.

  2. Click My Activities.

  3. Select the Course Title.

  4. Select the CONTENT tab.

  5. Select the title of the file to download.

How do I connect to my student sample environment?

Many Blackbaud University classes include access to a student sample product environment. Please check that you are using a computer that meets Blackbaud’s System Requirements before class to prepare to use these environments. Your instructor will detail the solution-specific steps to connect to your sample environment before class begins.

For Raiser’s Edge and Financial Edge Database View classes, Citrix Workspace App is required to access the student sample product environment. Please check that Citrix is installed before class. IT assistance from your organization may be required to complete installation. Follow these instructions to install Citrix prior to class.

For Microsoft Product Courses, please be aware that you must provide your own environment if you wish to participate in the hands-on activities. Blackbaud University will not be providing a sample environment for these courses. In order to participate in class, you must have one of the following Microsoft Office versions:

  • Microsoft Office 2016

  • Microsoft Office 2019

  • Microsoft Office 2021

  • Microsoft 365

Can I use my organization’s production database to complete Blackbaud University course exercises?

Please only use Blackbaud University-provided student sample environments for course exercises. If you select your production database to complete this training, you may make irreversible changes to your database. You acknowledge that you are responsible for selecting the Blackbaud University sample database for your training, and that Blackbaud is not responsible for any changes you make to your production database if you fail to select the Blackbaud University sample database for this training.

What should I see when I launch my class?

Upon initial sign-in to the Microsoft Teams meeting, the screen will include icons across the top, and the instructor will be sharing instructions for class preparation. Use the chat icon at the top of the screen to open the chat panel, where you can interact with the instructor and other students.

Additionally, you can turn on live closed captions by clicking the More icon at the top of the screen. Choose Language and speech and select Turn on live captions.

How do I keep track of all the windows I have open on my screen for class?

Once class is underway, you’ll be switching between Microsoft Teams and the sample database for your Blackbaud product. If you have a single monitor, you can use the icons in your taskbar to switch between Microsoft Teams, your sample environment, and course handout. Using multiple monitors can help your class experience but is not required. During student exercises, the instructor will leave instructions for the exercise onscreen for you to refer to; you won’t miss anything in class when you switch to your sample database to take part in class exercises. Your audio connection will always remain active, so when the instructor moves to another section you will be made aware.

What other tips should I follow to get the most of my virtual instructor-led class?

  • If it’s before your scheduled class time, make sure you’re ready for class!

  • Ask your instructor questions during class! Every instructor is an expert in their solution, and online instruction. We love hearing from our students in class.

  • Keep an eye on the classroom chat. Seeing what other students are asking about is part of the learning experience. Learning from peers is just as valuable as learning from your instructor.

  • Minimize your distractions. Turn off email and chat, and silence your phone. We know you are busy, and taking a class only takes up more of your valuable time. Consider your time an investment that pays dividends; our students tell us they save six hours a week from the knowledge they’ve gained by taking Blackbaud University courses.

Questions?

For help with additional questions, please submit a Blackbaud University Support Ticket and we will get back to you within 1 business day or chat with us.

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