BlackBoard


Features/Tools and Tech Info

for BlackBoard

The table below describes the software features for the application. Click on the application name to visit their home page. Click on the category (i.e., web browser) for a definition of the term. The Technical Information table is at the bottom of this page.

Features/Tools..........Notes

Learner Tools

Web Browsing
Accessibility Text Only Version Available
Bookmarks Yes
Multimedia Yes/ Accepts 36 different mime types.
Security Browser Based
Asynchronous Sharing
E-mail Push System
BBS_file_exchange BBS functionality is implemented through the Student Drop Box file exchange feature, and the file exchange in the Group Pages section.
Newsgroups Yes
Synchronous Sharing
Chat Yes
Voice_Chat Yes with (Horizon Live)
Whiteboard Yes with (Turtor Net)
Application_sharing Supported through Group Pages or Virtual Chat.
Virtual space Virtual "real time" Chat supported
Group browsing Supported through White Board feature within Virtual Chat. (Turtor Net) (Horizon Live)
Teleconferencing not supported
Videoconferencing not supported
Student tools
Self-assessing Yes (Check Your Own Grade)
Progress_tracking Yes. Quantitatively or qualitatively, using either numeric grades and/or text comments. Instructors can analyze individual students or entire class access in the online CourseSite by viewing course statistical graphs and charts. Students can view student results file that displays results on all quizzes and tests and lists the surveys taken.
Searching Supported word search via meta data and content search via Course Map button.
Motivation_building Yes
Study_skill_building Discussion Boards can include tips for instructors and Help for students that describe how to develop study skills in an online, asynchronous environment.
 

Support Tools

BlackBoard
Course
Course_planning Yes
Course_managing Yes
Course_customizing CourseInfo CourseSite allows rapid revisions through the Contol Panel, and file upload capabilities.
Course_monitoring Yes
Lesson
Instructional_designing Yes, Requires no HTML knowledge.
Presenting_information Yes
Testing CourseInfo CourseSite quiz/survey and test generators are the most advanced creators on the Internet today. The quiz/survey test generators allows instructors to create matching, multiple choice, multiple answer, fill in the blank, ordering, short answer, T/F, and essay questions. Instructors can re-use question types in a pool or admisinister randomized, timed and/or proctored quizzes and tests.
Data
Marking_on-line Yes
Managing_records Yes
Analyzing_and_tracking Yes
Resource
Curriculum_Managing Instructors manage content as they chose. Content can be posted immediately, deleted or re-ordered as necessary.
Building_knowledge yes with (assessment engine)
Team_Building yes with (group projects)
Building_motivation Supported in group pages, discussion groups, virtual chat, and course wide e-mail functions.
Administration
Installation Yes
Authorization yes with (Single User Id and Login)
Registering Batch Uploading from the System Admin. API linkage with existing registration, bursars, sis, and ERP systems is supported in CourseInfo Enterprise.
On-line_fees_handling Yes, in CourseInfo Enterprise Edition
Server_security LDAP/Kerberos, and other existing systems--Enterprise
Resource_monitoring Yes
Remote_access Yes
Crash_recovery Yes
Help desk
Student_support Yes
Instructor_support Yes


TechInfo

BlackBoard
Server_Platform
RAM Yes
Disk_Space Yes
WindowsNT_Server Yes
Apple_Server
Unix_Server yes
Client_Platform
Minimum_Level Version 2.0
Target_Level Version 4.0
Pricing
Start-up_Cost $4,000 + 1 Support Package
On-going_Cost Yes
Technical_Support Yes
Limitations of package
IMS_Compliance
Number_of_courses unlimited
Number_of_students unlimited
Number_of_connections unlimited
Number_of_instructors unlimited
Other_Limitations current version 4.07
Extra_Considerations
Options Training/Hosting Packages
Exit_Considerations
 
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Last updated 09-17-2000 08:42:41