The first of four posts about the options we have assessed: Blackboard 9, Moodle, Sakai and the Decentralized Option.
Definition
Blackboard 9 is the latest version of the core LMS product offered by Blackboard Inc.. When Blackboard purchased WebCT in 2006, WebCT’s Vista LMS became Blackboard Vista. Vista is being discontinued, and Blackboard is asking all their Vista customers to switch to a new “hybrid” product that contains aspects of Vista and the original Blackboard LMS. Blackboard 9 is organized around a flexible template: links to content and activities can be accessed from a list of tools, or can be grouped on “pages” within the course.
Interface and Features
Because Blackboard 9 is based in part on Vista and follows a similar interface philosophy, many users will find it to be familiar to use. However, like Vista, Blackboard 9 has a complex interface that allows maximum flexibility, but that can make it inefficient to use and difficult to figure out. Some features have been improved over Vista (such as the Gradebook) but there are other Vista features that are simply gone (such as Grading Rubrics).
A significant question is if Blackboard will continue its track record of not providing timely fixes and improvements. The interface does not take advantage of many more modern Web 2.0 features that students and instructors are familiar with from other tools such as Google and Facebook. Key questions:
- Is there any evidence that Blackboard service will improve once we are on their core product?
- Will Blackboard provide updates and improvements and keep pace with changing technological needs ?
A direct and detailed comparison of LMS features will appear in upcoming blog posts.
Transition
Although it was not available right away, there is a tool that converts courses from Vista to Blackboard 9. This should make it relatively simple to move instructors from one system to the other. Some reworking of course materials will be necessary because not all features are supported in the new system.
Because the system is complex, and not identical, instructors will need to spend time learning the new system and a few will be required to redesign their courses. Key questions in this area are:
- What are the most significant changes faculty should be concerned about?
- Will Blackboard offer better support for open standards and make it easier for content to be migrated in and out of future versions?
- When (or how often) will Blackboard force us into another transition?
Behind the Scenes:
Because Blackboard runs on familiar hardware, our current support group and infrastructure should be adequate for this system. Our primary concern in this area is that Blackboard, in the past, has not been very responsive to bug reports and requests for technical assistance. Key questions:
- What will it take to rewrite roster and grade interfaces with SPIRE?
- Do we really get what we pay for from this company?
Get a Preview of Blackboard 9
If you are interested finding out more about Blackboard 9 yourself. We recommend reviewing the handouts and tutorial videos at Arizona State University: http://help.asu.edu/search/node/bb9
Comments are welcome! Please comment below and share any questions, concerns or things you like about Blackboard 9.