SPARK Help for Students

About SPARK

SPARK is a Learning Management System used for on-campus courses at UMass Amherst based on the Blackboard VIsta Learning System. SPARK is being replaced by Moodle [2], an open-source LMS. Between now and Spring 2013, courses may be taught using either SPARK or Moodle. Your instructor will let you know which LMS will be used for your class.

Students who are enrolled in a course that uses SPARK are automatically given access to the SPARK site for that course. To login to SPARK, go to https://spark.oit.umass.edu [3] and login with your OIT Account NetID [4] and password.

Tutorials & Handouts

• Getting Started with SPARK [5]
  An introduction and how-to guide for students enrolled in SPARK courses, this handout covers browser requirements and set up, logging in, navigating tips, participating in Discussions, submitting Assignments, and taking quizzes (Assessments).
   
• Turnitin in SPARK for Students [6]
  Turnitin checks papers for proper citations and originality. Learn how to submit "Turnitin" assignments in SPARK.

Where can students get help with SPARK?

For SPARK account information (user name and password), or other problems accessing or using SPARK students can submit an online help request [7], chat online [8] with a Help Center Consultant, call 545-9400 or stop by A109 LGRC (Mon – Fri, 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.).