Blackboard Connect 5 Adds New Mass Notification Features

Blackboard's mass notification system has been updated with better data integration features and automatic messaging to IP endpoints, such as voice-over-IP phones. Blackboard Connect is a multi-modal notification system that school officials can use to send messages through voice, email, text, fax, pager, Facebook, and Twitter. Since its release a year ago Blackboard Connect 5 has sent messages to 28 million people around the world, the company said in a statement.

The latest round of enhancements includes new data integration tools, such as a client-side data uploader program to streamline data integration and give users more control over the integration process; automated contact database integration between Blackboard Connect and Blackboard Engage (previously Edline); and scheduled synchronization with secure file servers for automated, routine notifications.

Blackboard is also tapping technology from Singlewire to add messaging directly to endpoints running on the Internet Protocol, such as Cisco IP phones. Eventually, that upgrade could encompass other IP endpoints, such as paging systems, digital signage, and sirens

The newest version also includes a boost to single-sign-on; enhanced geo-targeting capabilities and weather templates for automated weather alerts recorded in a human voice; and internationalization improvements, such as interface support for right-to-left alphabets such as Arabic and Hebrew.

"The rapid adoption of Blackboard Connect 5 speaks to the platform's innovative, reliable and easy-to-use technology for effective emergency notification and community outreach," said Ed Miller, president of Blackboard Connect. "We've streamlined the data integration, message creation and delivery process so that communities receive more relevant, targeted information faster than ever before. The result is communities that are more informed, engaged and secure at all times."

Blackboard Connect users include Eudora Schools in Kansas, Beaufort County Schools in North Carolina, and Franklin Special School District in Tennessee.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • split-screen digital illustration of two AI-influenced classrooms

    What AI Gets Right and How It Will Be Used in the Year Ahead

    AI has tremendous potential to do good in education while honoring and upholding the essential role of teachers. However, its success will depend on how we choose to use it.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Updates to Experience, DreamBox Math

    K-12 learning solution provider Discovery Education has announced enhancements to its Discovery Education Experience and DreamBox Math products, designed to create a more personalized, engaging learning experience for students.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • A geometric pattern of open Chromebook computers with bold outlines, subtle shading, and soft gradients, spaced evenly with vibrant green and blue accents on a neutral background.

    Challenges and Opportunities Ahead for the 'Great Chromebook Refresh'

    During the pandemic, the education community scrambled to provide students with laptops to promote online learning equity and mitigate learning loss. Today, those devices are approaching the end of their useful lives — and a "great Chromebook refresh" has been predicted as schools seek to replace them with newer models.