Blackboard


 * (1) Resources links and/or class examples:**
 * Blackboard Teaching and Learning
 * Blended Learning with Blackboard Use
 * __How to include YouTube videos into Blackboard sites__


 * (2) SWOT ANALYSIS**
 * (a) Strengths:**
 * Internet based application and resources
 * Accessible to any internet connected computer 24/7
 * Enhance classroom lessons by offering blended extensions online
 * Applications applicable for student use and for staff professional development
 * Online learning opportunities enable students to access content and assignments anytime
 * Educators can create online lessons, manage grade books, organize documents
 * Students can collaborate on content knowledge outside of school setting
 * Continuation of instruction when schools are closed for emergency conditions/situations.
 * Relatively easy to develop a class and importing of documents
 * Exams can be developed that students must take under supervision
 * Exams can be limited accessed with password, time and date restrictions
 * Close the gap between students’ lives outside of school and the way they learn at school.
 * Once the course is developed it can be ‘rolled over’ into a new section and allows for modifications to be entered.


 * (b) Weaknesses:**
 * Grade book does not show the student name across the whole grade book. It moves the name off screen as the grade book is scrolled, not allowing the instructor to view the name and grade together.
 * Most resources are subscription based
 * Not easy to navigate or create without training
 * Time consuming, few cookie cutter templates for immediate use
 * Web pages are not indexed by search engines outside of Blackboard
 * All files must be contained within 'file manager' to enable the course to be 'rolled over' into another section. Otherwise files can be lost.
 * Computer accessibility is required
 * Computer must have special capablities
 * Integrated messaging capabilities can be misused by students if not properly monitored by teachers and administrators.
 * If universities do use Blackboard for every class offered, many professors may be intimidated by the advanced technology that it is.
 * Many professors may be reluctant to actual use Blackboard for grade tracking or online learning.
 * (d) Threats**
 * FERPA laws (student confidentiality) must be maintained and student information must not be accessible by outside parties. Must be careful when selecting options for course content and methods of presentations.


 * (c) Opportunities**
 * Enables educators to connect with members of the community
 * Opens possibilities for groups to collaborate and extend educational opportunities
 * Adaptable for system use or smaller scaled needs
 * Enables educators to offer online and/or hybid classes
 * Entire Universities can incorporate Blackboard for online learning or online record keeping.
 * (3) Ideas for the classroom**
 * Educators can provide online instruction if schools are closed for prolonged periods of time
 * Enhance classroom lessons by offering blended extensions online
 * Include Podcasts, assignments, discussion boards, and other resources for students to assess
 * Students can access documents necessary for class if they are absent
 * Example of how one teacher uses Blackboard to enhance the learning experience