Who are the Online Learning Partners?
Online learning partners (OLPs) are upper-year Nipissing University students who provide peer-to-peer support related to online learning. Specifically, OLPs can provide support in the following ways:
- Answer questions via email about Blackboard Learn including how to log in, navigate, and access course materials.
- Provide ideas about different educational technology tools related to assignments.
- Meet with students virtually to show them how to access and navigate Blackboard Learn.
Meet the 2023/2024 Online Learning Partners
Ellis Glennie
Pronouns: he/him
I am in my second year of the Bachelor of Education program in the Intermediate/Senior division. My background is clinical and developmental psychology, so my area of interest is teaching at-risk and special needs youth once I graduate.
Outside of school I have a strong love for nature and so have felt right at home in North Bay. (Check out the hiking trails behind the university if you get the chance!) I also love creating art and pursue music, creative writing, filmmaking, and visual arts in my spare time.
Sarah Pecoskie-Schweir
Pronouns: she/her
I am a sixth-year student finishing my Bachelor of Education (Junior/Intermediate), and my second year as an Online Learning Partner. I have a Bachelor of Arts in History with a double minor in Psychology and Indigenous Studies at Nipissing University.
I really enjoy being outdoors with my dogs either on walks or on the water. In the winter I love to curl and have been a member of the North Bay Granite Club for the past three years. After University I hope to have my own classroom and teach in cottage country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access Blackboard?
Option 1:
- Go to learn.nipissingu.ca
- Sign in using your Nipissing University credentials
Option 2:
- Go to my.nipissingu.ca
- Use your Nipissing University credentials to log in
- When you arrive on the My Nipissing landing page, select Blackboard Learn. You will not need to log in again.
For more information on how to log in, including a video walkthrough, please visit The Teaching Hub’s YouTube page.
What credentials do I use to log in?
Use your Nipissing University credentials (NU email address and password).
For more information, please visit University Technology Services’ Frequently Asked Questions.
I cannot access Blackboard, what do I do now?
If you cannot access Blackboard, and you know your Nipissing University credentials, please create a helpdesk ticket at helpdesk.nipissingu.ca
If you cannot access Blackboard, and you do not know your Nipissing University credentials, please send an email to techsrv@nipissingu.ca or call 705-474-3450, ext. 4342
How do I access my courses?
- On Blackboard’s landing page, you will see your Course List
- Click on the course you want to access (e.g., ACCT-1106-FA801-2020 - Introduction to Financial Accounting)
How do I access my course content?
You can access your course content using links from the course menu located on the left hand side.
Your instructor can add different types of content including files, assignments, images, videos, and hyperlinks. Content will be organized into folders, learning modules, and/or lesson plans. Please note that each course might be slightly different.
Select an item from the course menu to access it.
What are alternative file formats and how can I access those?
Blackboard Ally provides you with access to alternative file formats so that you can access information the way you need or want to.
To access content using an alternative format, look for the following icon and choose the format that best suits your needs:
For more information on which format you should use, please visit Blackboard’s Website.
Where do I check or send emails in Blackboard?
When in your Blackboard course, you can access your emails using links from the course menu located on the left hand side.
- To check your email, under Tools, click Check Email
- To send an email, under Tools, click Send Email
Where do I access my assignments?
You can access your course assignments using links from the course menu located on the left hand side.
Select “Assignments” to open the assignments folder.
Your instructor might incorporate assignments into weekly content. Please ask your instructor if you have questions about where to access assignments.
How do I submit assignments?
- To submit assignments, open the Assignment menu item, select the correct assignment.
- Select Browse My Computer to upload a file from your computer.
- Select submit.
What if my assignment won’t upload?
If you cannot upload your assignment, it is possible the file is too big. Your files should be less than 100 MB. If your assignment requires a file size larger than this, please consult with your instructor.
Where do I access my Grades?
To access your grades, select My Grades from the left hand menu.
On your My Grades page, you will be able to view your grades for all courses.
Keep in mind that your instructor may set any grade to NOT display until all grades have been submitted or a certain date has passed.
How do I access Blackboard Collaborate?
All course shells have a link to Collaborate Ultra on the blue navigation menu. However, faculty are able to hide or remove it. If the navigation menu doesn’t have a link you may be able to access Collaborate via the Course Tools link - IF your course menu has it.
To access Blackboard Collaborate, under Tools, click Blackboard Collaborate.
Click on the course room or the session you want to join.
How do I download the Blackboard Learn app?
You can download Blackboard Learn’s Student App by clicking on “Download Blackboard’s Student App” on the course landing page in Blackboard.
You may also search for it in the iTunes or Android app stores.