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 2022/2023 Online Learning Partners
Charlotte Foster
(she/her)
My name is Charlotte Foster, and I am a sixth-year student finishing my Bachelor of Education, and this is my second year as an OLP. I also have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and History with a minor in English from Nipissing University. Outside of school, I love to be active; I am usually either running or hiking! After university, I hope to be an intermediate teacher and have my own History or English class.
Kristen Straus
(she/her)
I am in my second year of the Bachelor of Education program at Nipissing University. I also have a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Culture from Wilfrid Laurier University with minors in both Biology and Environmental Studies.
I really enjoy travelling and experiencing new cultures. I love dogs and spend my spare time spoiling my own. In the summer I play lots of golf and in the winter, I will be at a hockey rink either playing or coaching. My future career will be in the education realm.
Britta McBride
(she/her)
My name is Britta McBride and I have an MA in history from the University of Guelph. I am currently a second-year PhD student at Nipissing University, where my research focuses on the history of education in Ontario prisons. This is also my second year as an OLP.
My interests and hobbies include sci-fi/horror shows, floral design, paper flower making, and embroidery. My dream job is to be a flower farmer with an on-site floral studio.
Tyrell Chambers
(he/him)
My name is Tyrell Chambers, and I am heading into my second year of teacher’s college at Nipissing University. I also completed my undergraduate degree at Nipissing majoring in English and minoring in Geography. I am the captain of the Men’s Soccer team at Nipissing and a proud member of NUBASE (Nipissing University Black Association for Student Expression) where I am the Director of the Mentorship Program.
I enjoy reading, listening to music, writing poetry, and hanging out with friends in my spare time. At some point, I do want to learn ASL (American Sign Language) and hopefully travel once I am done teacher’s college. I would love to have my own classroom teaching at the high school level and possibly my own tutoring business where I can help students achieve their academic and personal goals. I am so excited to be a part of the OLP team this year and can’t wait to learn from this fantastic team!
Vuong Tran
(he/him)
I am a PhD candidate in Educational Sustainability at Nipissing University, Canada. My research interests lie in equity and inclusion in education, social justice, and financial literacy education for LGBTQ+ populations. I have published studies in International Journal of Qualitative Methods, Qualitative Report, Journal of the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies (CACS), International Perspectives on Education and Society, and the Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education.
I am now working for the editorial team of the Canadian Journal for New Scholars in Education. I enjoy working with students, visiting new lands, exploring diverse cultures, and supporting marginalized communities such as LGBTQ+ populations. In my spare time, I often visit museums to explore local cultures and histories. I also love working out and swimming.
Sarah Pecoskie-Schweir
(she/her)
I am a fifth-year Bachelor of Education Student in the Junior/Intermediate stream and recently completed my Bachelor of Arts in History with a double minor in Psychology and Indigenous Studies at Nipissing University.
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.