Blackboard Provides Fast Track to Digital Class Software Subscription

Learning management system company Blackboard has created a self-service portal where schools can immediately subscribe to its digital collaboration platform, Blackboard Collaborate. The idea: to reduce "the time from purchase to deployment in direct response to the need for institutions and districts across the globe to quickly transition to digital teaching and learning modalities as part of COVID-19 contingency planning," according to a news announcement. The company said the portal is designed to "help institutions begin instruction within a virtual classroom within hours."

For $9,000 for the year, the subscription covers any number of virtual classrooms, each of which can support up to 250 students. The classrooms run through a browser and integrate with any LMS, including Blackboard's own Learn, Instructure Canvas, Sakai, D2L's Brightspace and Moodle.

Collaborate features include the ability for class participants to view each other on screen; raise hands; run and respond to live polls; share screens; do texting in a side chatroom; use video, audio and text content; and work on a digital whiteboard. Faculty can elevate students to the presenter role where they can share files, documents and programs on the screen. The program also facilitates captioning in real-time and provides for high-contrast display colors for greater accessibility.

"We recognize the importance of making this transition to a fully digital learning environment as streamlined and efficient as possible for the entire academic community — especially for instructors and students who may be accustomed to in-class or hybrid teaching and learning environments," said Kathy Vieira, the company's chief strategy, portfolio and marketing officer, in a statement.

Blackboard is also promoting access to a digital teaching and learning series, which the company produces through Blackboard Academy. The courses are LMS-agnostic and come with a certificate. Coverage includes fundamentals in digital instruction, designing for digital teaching and learning and using more advanced techniques. Each course is $400 for the individual. Currently, individuals can also subscribe to a three-course program for $999, with online classes beginning in April, June and August. Institutional licensing requires speaking with a company rep.

For more information, visit the Blackboard site.

Find more resources for schools during the COVID-19 crisis here.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • computer monitor with a bold AI search bar on the screen

    Google Rolls Out AI Mode in Search

    About a year after introducing AI Overviews for its flagship search offering, Google has announced broad availability of AI Mode in Search.

  • glowing shield hovers above a digital cloud platform with abstract data streams and cloud icons in the background

    Google to Acquire Cloud Security Firm Wiz in $32 Billion Deal

    Google has announced it will acquire cloud security startup Wiz for $32 billion. If completed, the acquisition — an all-cash deal — would mark the largest in Google's history.

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.