Topper Text | Web Browser Settings | Changing your Cell Phone Number or Carrier | Using Topper Text in Blackboard | Creating a Group | Subscribing to a Group

How is Topper Text used in Blackboard Classes?
In addition to its primary function as an emergency messaging system, Topper Text may be used by faculty in their Blackboard classes to notify students of class events such as Announcements, Assignments, class cancellations, etc. Students must opt-in to receive messages. They can choose whether they want to receive text messages on their cell phone, an e-mail or both.

How much will it cost to receive messages?
This service is strictly on an opt-in basis. Students with Blackboard courses will only receive messages from faculty if the student chooses to opt-in to receive those messages. Students should check their cell phone plan before opting in to receive text messages from a Blackboard course as you may be charged for text messges. Students can still opt-in to receive e-mail notifications from a course.

How do I sign up for Topper Text?
To sign up for Topper Text see the instructions on the Topper Text site or you can sign up by logging into Blackboard and clicking Topper Text uner the Tools menu in Blackboard. If you are using Internet Explorer please see the instructions for setting cookies in IE and Firefox .

What are the Browser Requirements for using Topper Text?
You must allow cookies to be set in order for Topper Text to be used in Blackboard. See Instructions for setting cookies in IE and Firefox.

How does an instructor send a message through Topper Text?
You must first notify students of your intention to use Topper Text in your class. The students need to opt-in to receive messages from the class. If you want to receive a copy of the messages you send out, follow the instructions below for opting in to receive messages.

1. Go to the Control Panel for your Blackboard Course.
2. In the Course Tools section click on Topper Text. You can also access Topper Text from the Communication menu from within the course. If you see a screen that asks you to log in again, you need to change your web browser settings to accept cookies. See Instructions for setting cookies in IE and Firefox .
3. The easiest message type to send is just a message from the instructor. Click on the Create Message tab. If you want to also post the message as an announcement in Blackboard see the instructions for posting announcements.
4. Type your message. There is a limit of 120 characters for both the message title and message.
5. Select the course.
6. Select the sending time. The default is now.
7. Click on the Send Message button.

How does a student opt in to receive messages from an instructor?

1. Click on the Communication link from within your course.
2. Click on Topper Text.
3. Click on Courses under My Channels.
   If this is the first time you have logged into Topper Text you will be prompted to enter your cell phone number and carrier. If you don't wish to receive cell phone messages regarding emergency announcements, leave the cell phone fields blank and click on Next. On the screen that is titled "Examing Blackboard" click on the CleartTXT link in the bottom left of the screen. If you see a screen that asks you to log in again, you need to change your web browser settings to accept cookies. See Instructions for setting cookies in IE and Firefox.
4. Click on the link for Messaging Preferences to the right of the course from which you wish to receive messages. Please check your cell phone plan to see if you will be charged for text messages.
   
5. Select the methods by which you want to receive messages. We currently only have E-mail and Mobile (text messaging) messaging. Ignore the desktop client options.
   
   Note that if you select to receive messages regarding Assignments, you will receive notification for every assignment that is posted by your instructor.
   
   
6. Click on Save Updates to save your selections.

How does an instructor post an announcement in Blackboard from Topper Text?

You can post an announcement on the Blackboard Announcement page simultaneously with sending a message through Topper Text to your students. When you send the Topper Text message it will automatically appear on the Blackboard Announcements page of your course.

1. Go to the Control Panel for your Blackboard Course.
2. In the Course Tools section click on Topper Text. You can also access Topper Text from the Communication menu from within the course.
3. Click on Courses under My Channels.
4. Click on the link for Messaging Preferences to right of the course from which you wish to send an announcement.
5. Select Announcement from the drop down menu to the right of Post an:.
   
6. Enter the Announcement Title and Message. Not that you need to limit your message and title to 120 characters.
7. Click on Send.

Your Announcement will be received via email and cellphone text message by students who have opted in to receive these messages from the course. In addition the Announcement will be posted to the Announcements in your Blackboard class.

If you want to sign up for a group that you have been invited to follow the instructions for subscribing to a group.