Why Course Management System? : Blackboard

1. Why Course Management System?: Blackboard ChinaLinks Educational Consultants LLC

2. Blackboard • is a web-based virtual learning environment • supports a range of online teaching, learning and assessment styles • provides many different tools that facilitate course development, syllabus management, management of students and their assessments, interactive discussions for and with students, class surveys, recording of grades and much more.

3. Benefits of using Blackboard (1/3) • Accommodate various learning styles: Students’ characteristic strengths and preferences in the ways they take in and process information (e.g., auditory, visual and kinenestic learners) can be supported • Central location of course documents: Variety of course documents you provide to your students(e.g., syllabus, handouts, projects and assignments) can be stored in a central location for students • Central location for communication with students: Various communication tools (e.g., email, announcement) are built in – No need to type in the email addresses.

4. Benefits of using Blackboard (2/3) • Electronic grade books: Students can view their grades electronically & immediately. • Electronic tests: Electronic quizzes, tests, and surveys can be automatically scored and placed in the grade book. • Electronic submission of assignments: Assignment submitted electronically can be commented, corrected, and graded easily and quickly.

5. Benefits of using Blackboard (3/3) • Built-in tools: Students can generate their own knowledge through online research, collaborative learning, and discussion forums • Self- and Peer-assessment: students can critique their work and the work of others. This helps students learn to provide constructive feedback and see how other students may approach the same project or assignment.

6. Features of Blackboard This part of content will need to be discussed during the workshop since different versions of Blackboard system contains different features.