[WSU Computing & Information Technology announcement – April 28, 2008]
Wayne State University is one of 20 Blackboard clients worldwide to implement the latest release 8.0 of the Blackboard Academic Suite, an integrated e-Learning solution consisting of the Blackboard Learning System, Content and Portfolio Systems, and Community System. More than 350 Blackboard clients — primary and secondary schools, higher education institutions, corporations, government agencies, textbook publishers, and student-focused merchants — are now asking for this release.
Developed in close collaboration with day-to-day users of the system, Release 8.0 further improves the performance of the software, makes it easier to use ("fewer clicks"), contains smart grading features for faculty, includes new tools to help learners develop critical thinking skills and increase their engagement, and provides all Blackboard users with new ways to manage and share their digital content on the Web.
Participating as beta partners and as members of the Blackboard Idea Exchange over the past year, the Blackboard application and support teams in WSU Computing & Information Technology (C&IT) have collaborated on product analysis and design by reviewing preliminary features, testing new releases, and interacting with product development project leaders. In addition, both WSU faculty and C&IT management now have more opportunities to communicate and share knowledge with Blackboard and other institutions on best practices and innovative ideas in the e-Learning community (through focus groups and surveys, serving on Blackboard committees, and participating in conferences, for example).
"Joining the Blackboard Idea Exchange has made it possible for us to work more closely with Blackboard and provide meaningful feedback during the development process," noted Daren Hubbard, Director of Academic and Core Applications in C&IT's Enterpise Applications Department. And Lynne Standley, Director of C&IT Education Technology Services added, "This partnership gives us a powerful opportunity to make a tangible impact on the choices Blackboard makes, as well as the quality of service they provide."
Updated support materials covering many of the new Blackboard Release 8.0 features and capabilities are available on C&IT's Blackboard page on the Web (http://computing.wayne.edu/blackboard), including an updated "Blackboard Quickstart Guide for Faculty." After May 3, Bb Release 8.0 User and Instructor Manuals also will be available there in pdf format.
The Office for Teaching and Learning is offering a number of Blackboard 8.0 workshops during its Xtreme Week sessions from April 29 to May 3 (http://www.otl.wayne.edu). Additional Blackboard training and demonstrations will be scheduled over the summer, as well as in preparation for the fall 2008 term.
--
Computing & Information Technology
Wayne State University
http://computing.wayne.edu