Is it just my program, or does anyone else feel like online nursing platforms make everything more confusing instead of easier? We use Blackboard Learn, and even though it’s supposed to keep everything organized, I swear half my stress comes from trying to find the actual assignments.

I’ll go to submit something, only to discover it was hidden under three different tabs that weren’t there last week. Then the syllabus says one due date, Blackboard says another, and the professor casually announces a third one during lecture like we’re supposed to telepathically know which is right. ????

Don’t get me wrong, online platforms are helpful, especially when juggling clinicals, work, and home life. But when every class has a different layout, different naming system, and different way of posting announcements, it feels like half my time is spent navigating the site instead of actually studying.

For those of you using Blackboard or similar systems:

• How do you keep track of everything without missing something important?

• Do you use planners, digital calendars, reminders, or something else?

• Does your program at least keep courses consistent, or is it chaos for you too?

• Any tips for staying on top of weekly uploads and surprise discussion posts?

I’m not looking for shortcuts or anything unethical. I just want to understand how other nursing students survive the constant flood of online content while still keeping grades, sleep, and sanity balanced.

Honestly, I admire anyone who manages this smoothly. Some weeks I feel like Blackboard is trolling me on purpose.

Would love to hear how you all cope with the digital side of nursing school. ????

Here are two credible references on Blackboard Learn that you can cite:

• Heirdsfield, A. “Blackboard As An Online Learning Environment: What Do Teacher Education Students and Staff Think?” Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, Vol. 36, Iss. 7, 2011. Available via ERIC. ERIC

• “Blackboard Learn – Technology in the Curriculum.” In Technology in the Curriculum, eCampusOntario Pressbooks. 2023. ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub

If you need full APA or MLA formatted citations for these, I can provide them.