The Learning Technologies Unit website

Blackboard Feature Summary

Communication Tools:

• Discussion Forums:
  Web-based only, not linked to email. Can handle attachments, editor for maths formula available. Tutors can create separate discussions for groups. Threads can be expanded/collapsed. Tracking of new messages available.
• Email:
  Facility to send emails to all/individual instructors & students, not linked to discussion board.
• Chat:
  Java-based chat tool including: shared whiteboard, Q&A scheme, group browsing, PP display, session recording (saving).
• Web Conferencing:
  Tutors and students can use a microphone to talk with each other and work together over distances. They can show their computer screen to other remote participants and use many more interactive collaboration functions. 
• File Exchange:
  Students have a private folder; a drop-box system allows file exchange including comments with tutor; sub-groups have a shared file folder. External access to personal folders (similar to IOE portal) can be arranged, depending on the version level.
• Blogs/Online Journal:
  Students can maintain a private online notebook, or collaborate together in a class journal and comment on each other's entries.
• Wikis:
  If the tutor permits, students can create their own multi-page websites without technical knowledge. Other students can add, edit or comment on pages. 
• Groups:
  Groups can be assigned flexibly. Each group has private discussion forums, file exchange, chat, and email functions.
• Announcements, Tasks, Assignment Info, Staff Info, Course Info, etc.

Productivity Tools:

• Calendar:
  Entries from multiple courses are collated in one personal calendar view. Students can check their status against set tasks.
• Sections:
  Predefined standard sections exist for a range of functions, custom sections can be added.
• Synchronisation:
  CD-ROM content can be linked to dynamically. Online content can be downloaded in a format suitable for access with mobile devices. Synchronisation of calendar events with PDAs.
• Self-assessment / Evaluation:
  Comprehensive anonymous timed or un-timed assessment or evaluation forms can be created, automatically scored, and enhanced with automatic feedback, including links to course materials.
• Course Materials, Address Book, etc.

Administration Tools:

• Material Management:
  Selective, time- or activity-based release of materials is possible. Categories can be created. System supports linear and non-linear sequences. A system-wide content repository (standards compatible) is available, depending on the version level.
• Student Tracking:
  Reports per student or group on section access are available.
• Grading:
  Drop box system supports time-stamping and allows feedback. Gradebook supports custom grading scales, im-/export of spreadsheet files, assignment management, view/sort/input of data by student/item/category. Item analysis across courses is possible.

Other:

• Expansion:
  A number of third-party freeware/open source and commercial building blocks can enhance the range of features.
• Enhanced features:
  Depending on the version level, additional features may be present. These include: File exchange versioning & tracking, system-wide portfolios and gradebooks, non-course-related social community functions, consortia-style (multiple institution) role systems, etc.