Blackboard Adds BlackBerry App for Mobile Web Platform -- THE Journal

Learning Management Systems

Blackboard Adds BlackBerry App for Mobile Web Platform

By Dian Schaffhauser
11/09/09

Blackboard has added the Research in Motion BlackBerry to its list of supported devices for the new Blackboard Mobile platform. Mobile Central (formerly named MobilEdu) was initially optimized only for users of Apple iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

Originally developed by San Francisco-based Terriblyclever Design, a company acquired by Blackboard in July 2009, Mobile Central is branded for each institution and accessed by users who download their institution's application.

The application gives users the ability to search course catalogs and view campus maps, e-mail teachers and classmates, and receive real-time updates on course schedules, campus events, news, and sports. In addition, institutions can use Blackboard application programming interfaces to customize and personalize the interface and functionality of the program.

On the mobile front, Blackboard also offers a free application called Learn for iPhone, which specifically provides updates from a Blackboard course. The company said in an FAQ on its Web site that it will continue making that program available.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

E-Mail this page

Printable Format

Featured

Microsoft Announces Security Updates

Microsoft has introduced a handful of new security tools and updates, which the company said adhere to its Secure Future Initiative, a set of three core tenets emphasizing "secure by design, secure by default and secure operations."
Applications Open for DiscoverE STEM Grant Opportunities

Discover Engineering is accepting applications for Engineers Week and Girl Day 2025, two grant opportunities dedicated to inspiring the next generation of innovators through experiential learning in the field of engineering.
Call for Entries: 2024 THE Journal Product Awards

The entry period for the 2024 THE Journal Product Awards is now open.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Rolls Out Facilitron Facility Management Platform

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS) has announced a partnership with facility management systems provider Facilitron. MDCPS has about 350,000 students across 400 campuses and is the 19th Florida school district to use Facilitron’s platform.