Blackboard Learn: Difference between revisions
| Line 34: | Line 34: | ||
* '''Providing seamless and uninterrupted migration paths''' from one version of the software to the other |
* '''Providing seamless and uninterrupted migration paths''' from one version of the software to the other |
||
* '''Supporting the tens of thousands of transaction''' enrollments and add drop capabilities that may happen during the span of the first two weeks of class |
* '''Supporting the tens of thousands of transaction''' enrollments and add drop capabilities that may happen during the span of the first two weeks of class |
||
* '''Providing a refined first release product''' for its customers. Often it is best to wait 6 – 12 months before going to the next version of the Blackboard product. It typically takes this long for the development team to riddle out |
* '''Providing a refined first release product''' for its customers. Often it is best to wait 6 – 12 months before going to the next version of the Blackboard product. It typically takes this long for the development team to riddle out issues with the most recently-released version. A few large schools have experienced transition and scalability challenges with Blackboard product within the first 6 months of usage. |
||
* '''Providing feature parity''' between its new products and the end of life of other acquired software ([[WebCT]] and [[Angel Learning]] are examples) |
* '''Providing feature parity''' between its new products and the end of life of other acquired software ([[WebCT]] and [[Angel Learning]] are examples) |
||
* '''Meeting ongoing and dynamic demands''' of an ever expanding education market as well as supporting its over 3200 global customers. |
* '''Meeting ongoing and dynamic demands''' of an ever expanding education market as well as supporting its over 3200 global customers. |
||
| Line 40: | Line 40: | ||
Many of the challenges above are typical of online learning platforms found in the education space. However, Blackboard seems to have more challenges because of its size, complexity of its system and the diversity of its customer base. Although the company does typically respond to its customers it often takes |
Many of the challenges above are typical of online learning platforms found in the education space. However, Blackboard seems to have more challenges because of its size, complexity of its system, and the diversity of its customer base. Although the company does typically respond to its customers, it often takes Blackboard, Inc longer than most would like due to their size. In addition, academic institutions themselves have been challenged with understanding how to appropriately implement and support teaching and learning technologies for online learning. The ETF [http://www.gilfuseducationgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/Educational-Technology-Framework1.pdf Educational technology Framework] is a tool used by several hundred academic institutions to develop an organizational tactical plan to support a successful implementation. Born out of experiences with implementing Blackboard technologies at 2000 institutions the ETF applies to all academic institutions implementing online learning technologies. |
||
Starting in the late 2000s, the product has faced competition from comparable projects such as [[Moodle]], which is available free of cost to users.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Trotter|first=Andrew |title=Blackboard vs. Moodle: Competition in course-management market grows|url=http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2008/06/09/01moodle.h02.html|accessdate=19 September 2010|newspaper=Education Week|date=June 13, 2008}}</ref> |
Starting in the late 2000s, the product has faced competition from comparable projects such as [[Moodle]], which is available free of cost to users.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Trotter|first=Andrew |title=Blackboard vs. Moodle: Competition in course-management market grows|url=http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2008/06/09/01moodle.h02.html|accessdate=19 September 2010|newspaper=Education Week|date=June 13, 2008}}</ref> |
||
Revision as of 13:27, 22 December 2012
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into Blackboard Inc.. (Discuss) Proposed since November 2012. |
The Blackboard Learning System is a virtual learning environment and course management system developed by Blackboard Inc. It is a Web-based server software which features convenient course management, customizable open architecture, and scalable design that allows for integration with student information systems and authentication protocols. It may be installed on local servers or hosted by Blackboard ASP Solutions. Its main purposes are to add online elements to courses traditionally delivered face-to-face and to develop completely online courses with few or no face-to-face meetings.
History
 |
On Jan 21 1997, Stephen Gilfus and Dan Cane started a company called CourseInfo LLC and were developing a software product that would power online education and be scalable for wider institutional application.[1] At the same time, Matthew Pittinsky and Michael Chasen formed Blackboard LLC and were contracted to help lead the formation of the Educause IMS standards group for online education technology. Recognizing the high demand for a sophisticated, easy-to-use, and affordable online education software platform, the two groups merged to form Blackboard Inc., which then developed the Blackboard Learning System. [2]
Functions
 |
The Blackboard Learning System provides users with a platform for communication and sharing content.
Communication
- Announcements: Professors and teachers may post announcements for students to read. These can be found under the announcement tab, or can be made to pop-up when a student accesses Blackboard.
- Chat: This function allows those students who are online to chat in real time with other students in their class section.
- Discussions: This feature allows students and professors to create a discussion thread and reply to ones already created.
- Mail: Blackboard mail allows students and teachers to send mail to one another. This feature supports mass emailing to students in a course.
Content
- Course content: This feature allows teachers to post articles, assignments, videos etc.
- Calendar: Teachers can use this function to post due dates for assignments and tests.
- Learning modules: This feature is often used for strictly online classes. It allows professors to post different lessons for students to access.
- Assessments: This tab allows teachers to post quizzes and exams and allows students to access them via the internet
- Assignments: This features allows for assignments to be posted and for student to submit assignments online
- Grade Book: Teachers and professors may post grades on Blackboard for students to view.
- Media Library: Videos and other media may be posted under this function.
Challenges
Over the many years of its development, the Blackboard Learning System has undergone several iterations. In addition, academic institutions of all sizes have changed the way they use the Blackboard Learning System including transitioning from augmentation of traditional classroom learning to supporting full online and virtual campus capabilities.
The Blackboard Learning System and much of the Blackboard product line has been challenged with:
- Maintaining the appropriate scalability for the increased level of usage by its customers.
- Providing seamless and uninterrupted migration paths from one version of the software to the other
- Supporting the tens of thousands of transaction enrollments and add drop capabilities that may happen during the span of the first two weeks of class
- Providing a refined first release product for its customers. Often it is best to wait 6 – 12 months before going to the next version of the Blackboard product. It typically takes this long for the development team to riddle out issues with the most recently-released version. A few large schools have experienced transition and scalability challenges with Blackboard product within the first 6 months of usage.
- Providing feature parity between its new products and the end of life of other acquired software (WebCT and Angel Learning are examples)
- Meeting ongoing and dynamic demands of an ever expanding education market as well as supporting its over 3200 global customers.
Many of the challenges above are typical of online learning platforms found in the education space. However, Blackboard seems to have more challenges because of its size, complexity of its system, and the diversity of its customer base. Although the company does typically respond to its customers, it often takes Blackboard, Inc longer than most would like due to their size. In addition, academic institutions themselves have been challenged with understanding how to appropriately implement and support teaching and learning technologies for online learning. The ETF Educational technology Framework is a tool used by several hundred academic institutions to develop an organizational tactical plan to support a successful implementation. Born out of experiences with implementing Blackboard technologies at 2000 institutions the ETF applies to all academic institutions implementing online learning technologies.
Starting in the late 2000s, the product has faced competition from comparable projects such as Moodle, which is available free of cost to users.[3]
See also
- CourseInfo LLC - the precursor to Blackboard Inc.
References
- ^ [1], The Blackboard Learning System.
- ^ "The Blackboard Learning System".
- ^ Trotter, Andrew (June 13, 2008). "Blackboard vs. Moodle: Competition in course-management market grows". Education Week. Retrieved 19 September 2010.