No Chalk Dust Here
February 15, 2014
No Chalk Dust Here
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
9 service pack 13
Modules Used
- Blackboard Learn
Overall Satisfaction
The college uses Blackboard to develop and deliver online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses for students. We also use it for faculty and staff training. It is the only learning management system used at the college and has been used here for quite a few years. It helps us keep our course content together and allows documentation for grades and communications between faculty and students.
Pros
- It's super easy to use. Blackboard was originally developed for K-12 users and requires very little student training. It's mostly point and click for students. Faculty do need some in-depth training, but it's the simplest LMS I've used.
- It's the biggest educational LMS, so they have a ton of experience in dealing with clients and IT departments. Our recent migrations and upgrades looked seamless from my POV - i.e. as someone not involved in the process.
- They provide a lots of training resources for students and faculty on their YouTube site.
Cons
- The biggest thing that annoys me about Blackboard is the HTML editor. It picks up the propriety code from Microsoft documents and adds it into the background of the text when you copy and paste from a MS product. This code slows down loading times for students which is especially important during timed testing and faculty don't even know they're doing it. I've seen test questions with at least 5 pages of code attached to it and another 3 pages attached to EACH question. Multiply that by 50 or 100 questions and it can really slow a student down. Blackboard really needs a "Copy from Word" button to strip this code.
- I would love to use the module tool, however, it adds a Table of Contents that steals a ton of real estate from the screen. It would be great if that could be minimized.
- The gradebook is terrible to use, but I haven't seen something better anywhere.
- It's super expensive
- We recently worked with Blackboard to upgrade our system which is seriously reduced our unscheduled downtime.
- It allows us to create a model for online learning that is clear, consistent and compliant so that we can accomplish our mission of offering students quality education.
While not involved in the selection process, I have used other learning management systems at other institutions. Blackboard is robust and very easy for both students and faculty to use. Whenever I have been involved in choosing a LMS, Blackboard usually comes in first or second. I'm generally happy with it.
Usability
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using | None |
- adding content
- creating courses
- grading
- wiping MS propriety code from text copied and pasted into the HTML creator
- moving text from an HTML creator (Dreamweaver) into the course
Yes - It works for the most part. I have a problem with having to pay for it.
Comments
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