Can I just use my smartphone?

Smartphones are amazing. They can help with time management. You can use a smartphone to check email, course due dates, grades and announcements. Your phone can help you keep on track.

On the other hand, a computer is better than a smartphone, at times. Use a computer to complete assignments, write good discussion posts, or take quizzes, tests and exams.

The key to success is knowing which devices to use when and how to set them up properly.

Blackboard Learn App

Blackboard offers a student app for smartphones and tablets. Look for this icon in your app store. We recommend you install and use the app for checking

• messages
• announcements
• grades
• other course updates.

The first time you open the app, you will need to connect to MHCC's Blackboard. Our school is listed as Mt. Hood Community College. (Type it exactly as shown here.) Once you have selected Mt. Hood Community College, enter your Blackboard Student ID and Password to log in. More support for the Blackboard App is available here.

Web Browsers

Blackboard is also accessible through a mobile browser, and for some activities, this point of entry will be a better fit. The key to success in using your mobile device to access an online course is to use both the app and the browser, learning which works best for different tasks.

Balance

In general, successfully completing an online course means logging in regularly to track the calendar, reading and viewing materials, and submitting quality work on time. The best device is the one that helps you manage all of this, is suitable for your knowledge and skills, and works with Blackboard. That said, below is an online course activity list with recommended devices.

What devices can I use for online classes?

What devices can I use for online classes?

Activity	Phone	Computer	Details
Read & view course content			If you want to print readings or lectures, use the computer.
Check email, messages, announcements			Check syllabus for the best place to view announcements and updates.
Check due dates & calendar
Submit assignments			Attaching files or documents can be challenging or unachievable.
Take a quiz, test or exam			Difficult to impossible for viewing attachments or using content editor. Submissions may be unsuccessful. No guarantee instructor will allow additional attempt if problems transpire.
Write discussion posts and replies			Difficult to meet discussion criteria for length, grammar, punctuation. Difficult to see threads.
Attend Zoom webinar
Write essays / complete coursework			Difficult to meet formatting requirements. Attaching files may be challenging or unachievable. Any required templates may be difficult to download and edit.
Communicate with students or instructor			Check the syllabus for the best way to communicate with your instructor as well as response times.

Table legend: Recommended Not Recommended Nope