What is Blackboard?
The Blackboard is a web-based teaching and learning environment which enables teachers to build and manage a Web component for their classes. It also includes a content management system that allows staff to share documents.
For teachers Blackboard provides:
- easy upload and distribution of files
- timed release of files for student access
- posting in a course calendar and announcements
- asynchronous communication (threaded discussions)
- synchronous communication (real-time chat and virtual classroom)
- online file exchange
- automatic sequencing of linked course files (e.g. presentations)
- assessment tools (surveys and quizzes with feedback)
- student tracking and course statistics
For students, Blackboard provides:
- easy file download and access to course material
- access to a course calendar and announcements
- asynchronous communication (threaded discussions)
- synchronous communication (real-time chat and virtual classroom)
- course study groups
- online file exchange
