Blackboard Blogs

New Report: Parents Want Schools to Do More to Prepare Students

Over the past three years, I have blogged about our partnership with Project Tomorrow to bring you the Education in the 21st Century reports. These reports examined the views of K-12 educators on issues such as online learning and a new breed of K-12 administrators.

This time, we narrowed our focus to parents. Learning in the 21st Century: Parents’ Perspectives, Parents’ Priorities, released at the NSBA T+L event in Denver, CO (amidst 10+ inches of snow!), examines the views of these important, but often overlooked stakeholders in education. The report reveals that parents do not believe our schools are doing enough to prepare students for the 21st century. To improve on this, they identify the application of technology to learning and teacher training as two major elements for success. Read more.

Blackboard is Buzzing at EDUCAUSE

EDUCAUSE officially kicked-off its national conference yesterday in Denver, and we’ve seen some great enthusiasm from clients and the community. The booth (#423) was packed with attendees who wanted to hear more about the newest platform, Blackboard Mobile.  Attendees were very excited about the addition of a BlackBerry app for Mobile Central.  If you’re around the conference, stop by for a Mobile demo or visit the Blackboard Theater for one of our ongoing theater sessions. 

Along with in-booth activities, Blackboard is sponsoring a panel session on Thursday:

Your Campus on a Smartphone, and the Future of Mobile Education– The session name says it all. Hear how institutions like Stanford, MIT and the University of Washington are already harnessing mobile technology and learn ways to bring mobile to your campus.

For all Blackboard clients attending EDUCAUSE, if you haven’t already picked up your bracelet for the Blackboard Client Appreciation Party, stop by our booth (#423) on the exhibit floor for on-site registration.

We hope you’re enjoying the conference so far and look forward to seeing you during the show.  Stay up to date on conference goings on Twitter; follow @Blackboard, #educause09, #blackboard. 

Students Get a Second Chance at Graduation: Voices from K-12

In late September, I blogged about how online credit recovery programs help to increase graduation rates. As I mentioned, online credit recovery addresses different learning styles and paces, and helps students when they need it the most (see Credit Recovery eduviews publication).