Countdown to the Online MBA Launch
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ALL SYSTEMS GO
Prior to MOD 1 you will want to familiarize yourself with the various technology platforms that you will use throughout the program. In addition, you’ll want to make sure that you have the best hardware configurations to support your learning.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert, yet! In fact, you won’t be able to log into the systems until MOD 0 kicks off. You’ll have plenty of time in Mod 0 to practice using the platforms so that you are more than ready to take on Mod 1. Take this opportunity before Mod 0 to just familiarize yourself with each of the platforms by using the training links under the various platform descriptions.
Quick Links:
Hardware & Internet | VPN & Two Factor Authentication | OMBA Link | Software & Learning Platforms | Tech Support
Hardware and Internet Recommendations
Online MBA courses are delivered through Boston University’s Blackboard learning management system. While materials are accessible from mobile devices, to most effectively use Blackboard you should have a computer with high-speed Internet. While 50mbps is the recommendation, a consistent speed of 20mbps should be more than enough to meet the technology requirements of the program. It is also recommended that users have the most recent versions of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge browsers. Additionally, users must ensure that their computers meet the requirements set out by Boston University Information Services & Technology (IS&T). To verify that your computer is acceptable, please review the System Requirements provided by IS&T.
In addition to the asynchronous material delivered via Blackboard, students will participate in synchronous sessions via Zoom. To participate fully in Zoom live classrooms, it is recommended that learners use the most recent versions of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge browsers, as well as a headset with a microphone, and a webcam. Please note that the minimum computer requirements for Blackboard are not the same as those required by Zoom. To determine if your computer also meets Zoom’s specifications, review the Zoom System Requirements.
Be advised, if your computer does not adhere to the system requirements for both Blackboard and Zoom, you may experience a degradation of content. Blackboard and Zoom may lose tool functionality or not work at all.
Downloads
VPN & Two-Factor Authentication via DUO
Boston University’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a “tunnel” between your computer and the campus network that encrypts your transmissions to BU. Use of the VPN also identifies you as a member of the Boston University community when you are not connected directly to the campus network, allowing you access to restricted networked resources.
OMBA Link
OMBA Link (powered by Salesforce Advisor Link) is your gateway for all things related to the Online MBA. The portal is a hub that will connect you to resources that you will use for your OMBA experience. In the portal, you can view announcements, schedule appointments with your support specialist or learning facilitator, join and communicate with affinity groups, find links for common resources, and access your course through Blackboard. This is a new platform for BU and Questrom that we have implemented specifically for the Online MBA. Access won’t be available until the start of Mod 0.
Software and Learning Platforms
Online MBA courses are delivered through Boston University’s Blackboard Ultra learning management system. In Blackboard Ultra you will find your course content, assignments, course announcements, grade book, and direct access to the other platforms related to your assignments (e.g., Feedback Fruits, Pronto, Yellowdig). Students will access Blackboard Ultra via the link within the OMBA Link portal.
Manage information with Excel spreadsheets. You will use excel functions to manage data sets and to generate statements and reports.
Feedback Fruits is accessible through an integration in Blackboard. Feedback Fruits enables interactive media, peer feedback, and collaboration.
Assignments using Feedback Fruits are designed to be interactive. You will see assignments with prompts for feedback, quick assessments, and responses.
Pronto is integrated with Blackboard and allows users to manage communication. Switch between email and live chat and video conferencing. The platform also allows you to manage tasks, communications, translation, and share files.
Use Pronto to manage group and assignment communication.
Yellowdig is available through an integration in Blackboard. You will use Yellowdig to connect with your professor, peers and community. Yellowdig allows you to keep the conversation going beyond the classroom and connect with others who are discussing similar things.
Assignments in Yellowdig will enable you to have community-wide conversations about class topics where you will earn points for your engagement.
Zoom is live video conferencing used for live sessions for class, group meetings, and meetings with your support team. A link will be provided for sessions. Log in to bu.zoom.us, using your BU Login credentials.
Tech Support
Boston University Information Systems and Technology
This will be your first stop for tech-related issues. Visit Boston University IT Help, or email the IT Help Center at ithelp@bu.edu or by visiting their web contact form.
You will use a collection of tools that support both your learning and collaboration with peers and instructors. For optimal experience, align your personal computer set up to these Boston University technology requirements and resources specifications.
