This article gives an overview of Firefox Multi-Account Containers and explains how to access multiple accounts in Blackboard through that feature. 

 

Overview of Firefox Multi-Account Containers

Firefox containers are a privacy and productivity feature in Mozilla Firefox that let you separate your online activities while using the same browser.

You can log into multiple accounts on the same site simultaneously. To do that, you will need the Firefox Multi-Account Containers extension, which is free and easy to install from the Firefox Add-ons site.

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Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Download and Install Firefox

1. Go to the official Firefox download page
2. Select Download Firefox
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions
4. Once installed, open Firefox

Step 2: Install the Firefox Multi-Account Containers Extension

1. In Firefox, go to the Firefox Multi-account containers extension page
   • Alternatively, search Google for Firefox Containers
2. Select Add to Firefox
3. Confirm by selecting Add in the pop-up

Step 3: Create Containers for Blackboard Users Accounts

1. At the top of your browser, right-click the + (plus) like if you wanted to open a new browser tab
2. Select Manage Containers from the dropdown
3. Remove the default 4 containers
4. Select + Add New Container
5. Name it something descriptive - for example:
   • Admin
   • BB-[relevant school acronym]

6. Choose a colour and icon to help visually distinguish them if you plan on using multiple containers
7. Repeat for each user account or role needed

Step 4: Allow cross-site tracking on Blackboard

1. In your Firefox browser:
   1. Open the Application Menu through the 3 lines icon
   2. Select Settings from the dropdown
2. On the left navigate to the Privacy and Security tab
3. Set your profile to Standard if it is not already
4. Select the Manage Exceptions… button
5. Add the below links one at a time:
   • https://blackboard.soton.ac.uk
   • https://api.turnitin.com
   • https://lti.int.turnitin.com

6. Select Save Changes

Step 5: Open Blackboard in Separate Containers

7. Right-click the + (plus) like if you wanted to open a new browser tab
8. From the dropdown select the relevant container you created
9. Navigate to the Blackboard login page in your newly opened container tab
10. Log in with the appropriate credentials for that user account / role
11. Repeat for other containers and log in with different accounts.

Each container keeps its own cookies and sessions, so you can be logged in as multiple users accounts simultaneously.

It’s recommended to keep your default browser tab as the user account you use the most frequently. In most cases that would be your normal staff account.

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Additional Tips

• If you previously used multiple browsers to access multiple accounts, it’s recommended to import your bookmarks into Firefox for easier access.
• If you haven’t already it’s recommended open up the Blackboard login page and bookmark it in Firefox.
• If you are using your work laptop to check your personal emails or perhaps watch YouTube during your lunch break you can create a separate container which holds your login for these platforms.

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Getting IT help

If you need help, please contact ServiceLine or visit one of our Tech Hubs.

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