by Anne Jenkins
Since 2002,
California State University Channel Islands (CI) has been enriching the learning experience by extending their courses online with Blackboard Inc. software. In 2011, however, they were faced with budget cuts and decided it was an important time to determine if
Blackboard Learn was the most cost-effective solution that simultaneously maintains a high level of faculty and student satisfaction.
Although
CI looked at a variety of learning management systems, the hands-on evaluation focused on Blackboard Learn 9.1 and Moodle 1.9. These two systems were most commonly used in other Cal State University (CSU) campuses and therefore provided an easy transition for faculty who teach across the CSU system.
by Rebecca Hellman
A few weeks ago while channel surfing I stumbled across a
60 Minutes interview with Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President of University of Maryland Baltimore County. A few months ago, this might not have caught my attention, but that was before – before I met Freeman Hrabrowski, before I visited UMBC and before Blackboard began the
Solutions in Action series with NBC Learn.
Last spring, I traveled to UMBC to assist with an interview between Freeman Hrabowski and NBC News Chief Education Correspondent,
Rehema Ellis. When I learned Hrabowski would kick-off the Solutions in Action series, I quickly did my research. Named one of Time Magazine’s Top Ten College Presidents and one of America’s Best Leaders by U.S. News & World Report, respected author, and huge advocate of the sciences (to put it lightly) – it was clear this man was passionate, but what’s made him successful in education where so many others have failed? If you ask Hrabowski he’ll say technology, but if you listen to Hrabowski you’ll say innovation. Two sides of the same coin, but without innovation there is no technology.
by Mike Lovell
I’ve followed
my healthy obsession of learning management system (LMS) evaluations to South Africa, this time, settling my gaze on Stellenbosch University and their recent evaluation of Moodle, Sakai, and Blackboard Learn™ 9.1.
To start, I spoke with JP Bosman, Senior Advisor of eLearning, and Johann Kistner, IT Director, at Stellenbosch University, to walk through their decision making process and understand, in detail, the undertaking of their evaluation from detailed feature parity analysis to final decision.
Stellenbosch University Crest
Pectora roborant cultus recti.
[A Sound Education Strengthens the Spirit.]
by Julia Pflaum
We are excited to announce that the
2012 Blackboard Catalyst Awards is now OPEN for submissions!
The Blackboard Catalyst Awards honors those who push the boundaries of their educational programs and technology in order to deliver innovative and effective learning experiences. In previous years, innovators were recognized in a handful of categories, mostly focused on academic course planning and creation.
This year, however, the
Blackboard Connect client community will have a more direct way to participate thanks to the inclusion of a brand new category —
Communications Strategy.
by Katie Drossos
“These kids that are digital natives – we just need to meet them where they’re at, and the reality is technology is where they’re at.”
Marc Ecko, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and founder of
Sweat Equity Education (SEE), an education innovation organization, is working at the intersection of education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. At SEE, Marc uses the technology that excites kids today and combines it with real-world projects that teach real-world skills. SEE is focused on re-engaging and re-invigorating at-risk students and young adults to help set them on a path for success – in school, in the workplace, or in launching their own businesses.
I had the pleasure of meeting Marc in his New York City office:
