LMS Comparison - Suzuki

Blackboard Academic Suite (Release 8.0)
Communication Methods
Blackboard provides both a wide variety of asynchronous (discussion forums, file exchange, internal email, online journal/notes, blogs and web pages) and synchronous (real-time chat, whiteboard) communication tools. Blackboard also includes A/V communication options through Horizon Wimba, an integrated tool for real-time collaboration. Wimba and Blackboard have now partnered to allow users free access to an IM system called Wimba Pronto Basic.

Content Organization
Blackboard content can be organized in different ways:
•Instructors can provide a course calendar that displays course information
•An announcement feature allows instructors to post information
•Students can bookmark areas of the course and use the search function to find information
•The entire course can be downloaded for offline use
•Online tutorials are also available to help students use the system

Interface
The Blackboard student interface is simple for most high school and colleges students to navigate however it doesn’t appear to be too kid-friendly for younger users. All of the features are displayed in the left menu and help is readily available in the middle of the top of the screen. Although the administrative functions are comprehensive (authentication, course authorization/registration) and appear to be easily accessible, I was not able to use this function for myself to determine ease of use. I was able to find tutorials on how to create courses and add content. It appeared in the screenshots that it was similar to Moodle’s interface which is quite intuitive.

Platform Capabilities
The Blackboard LMS provides many ways to use Web 2.0 tools to create a collaborative environment for instructors and students. Also, the program provides for online assessments through quizzes and essays. It also has the ability to mark and store grades in an online gradebook whereby instructors and students can track their progress. There are a number of course development tools that include content sharing, course templates, and instructional design tools. In addition, Blackboard provides the institution a variety of resources and tools to help with administrative functions (previously mentioned).

Likes and Dislikes (Administrative/Learner Perspectives)
From an administrative point-of-view, Blackboard provides a wealth of tools and resources to help track and maintain users. With those resources however comes a considerable amount of training to use them to their full potential. From a learner’s perspective, Blackboard is a very useful tool for communication, collaboration and accessing materials for class. Similarly, as in the administrative side, it takes a little while to get used to all of the functions that Blackboard provides. It would be prudent to plan to spend some time learning different procedures in Blackboard, especially when instructing younger users.

Use of Platform
This version of Blackboard is geared toward educational institutions however the company does provide a solution for businesses that are interested in implementing an LMS into their educational development plan. I believe that this platform is very useful for students that are able to do at least some independent learning. While I don’t envision many elementary school students being able to use this type of sophisticated tool to its fullest, I have seen middle school students use Blackboard effectively.
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Blackboard Mobile Learn (Release 1.0)
Communication Methods
Blackboard Mobile Learn provides only asynchronous communication via announcements, discussion boards, blogs, file downloads and journals. Using either an Android, iPhone OS or Blackberry powered phone, users are able to have instant course access to view and post back to key areas of Blackboard courses and organizations. Currently their no-cost option only covers iPhone OS Wi-Fi and Sprint networked Android/BlackBerry phones with Wi-Fi and 3G/4G capabilities. Through their annual license option, all cellular carriers that carry those types of OS phones can use Wi-Fi and 3G/4G communication to access Blackboard Mobile Learn.

Content Organization
Blackboard Mobile Learning content organization is very simple with each course available from the opening screen and expands through the course map. Each course allows users to see Announcements, Grades, Assignments, Handouts, Media, Blogs, Rosters and Discussions. Future versions will include more features that will make Mobile Learn more independent from the Blackboard desktop version.

Interface
The Blackboard user interface is simple and intuitive which makes it a good choice for most academic institutions or private corporations. Also, the mobile aspect allows both instructors and learners the ability to communicate and provide instruction on-the-go. Each interface is unique to the phone/iPad OS accessing the application however each version has the same functionality.

Platform Capabilities
The Blackboard Mobile Learning platform is primarily to be used as a way to access Blackboard material via mobile devices and should not be considered a stand-alone LMS. Institutions and businesses must be current customers using Blackboard so that it can provide administrative and content creation applications. However, it appears that with the popularity of cloud computing and the need for accessibility with lower costs, Blackboard is pushing toward creating greater functionality and independence with this program.

Likes and Dislikes (Administrative/Learner Perspectives)
From an administrative point of view, Blackboard Mobile Learning is not very effective. It does not currently provide any type of administrative function other than feedback/communication. However, from a learner’s perspective, this platform is very exciting. The ability to use your mobile device to access material as well as communicate (asynchronously) in the course can provide many opportunities for learning. Also, it can be added at no additional cost to the student or institution/business provided they have a supported device.

Use of Platform
Since this is only the first version of the program, there are many things (especially on the administrative end) that need to be addressed in future versions. However, the use of this program can be used for any type of class or instruction. I believe that as we move forward with more powerful mobile devices, larger bandwith and more carriers getting on board, Blackboard can have a very big edge over other LMS companies. Also, with more R&D, it may be possible in the near future to create a fully functional mobile LMS that will be able to provide quality instruction to the masses.