The Uses of Blackboard in IDARI
Objectives Provide overview of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) Identify uses of Blackboard in IDARI
What does Blackboard do? What is Blackboard? Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Course Management System What does Blackboard do? Supports and enables Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) Provides Web-based materials and communication tools
What is a VLE? Website that provides functions valuable to the learning process repository for formal course documents storage area for work programmes communication area collection of relevant online external links or resources tracking mechanism to monitor student use and monitor progress assessment tools – multiple choice quizzes surveys etc
How does a VLE benefit IDARI? repository for formal course documents e.g. journal articles, reports, and documents not suitable for e-mail exchange storage area for work programmes, time plans for student supervisors and CEE research facilitators, and also for time plans for work package research groups etc communication area –discussion forums in bulletin board format, announcements, email, live chat collection of relevant online external links or resources - links to relevant websites including principle partner and principle contractor websites
Advantages of VLE Accessible anywhere, any time over Web Extends communication and information exchange beyond a physical classroom Enables uploading and exchange of content Provides group sections for project teams Aids and supports student learning Improves course administration and content management Supports and promotes CMC
What is CMC? Computer-Mediated Communication Collective term for a range of technologies including: E-mail Discussion boards / bulletin boards “Live” chat Conferencing tools
Advantages of CMC Facilitates two-way communication between learners, tutors, and other learners Supports and sustains online communities shared workspaces synchronous meetings – lightweight chat access to threaded discussion board for asynchronous communication web-based conferencing – “virtual meeting places” – virtual classroom
Blackboard and IDARI Blackboard Learning System, version 6, Basic Edition NUI,G – own dedicated server – high performance and reliable – up to 5000 concurrent users Worldwide – almost 3000 universities and colleges – 5,000,000 users Advantages of Blackboard Ease of use – user oriented Does not require a high degree of technical skill Meets international standards
CMC is the Primary Use of Blackboard in IDARI News Communication i) Announcements ii) Discussion Boards (9 Ph.D. Research groups, 3 Work package research groups) – asynchronous communication iii) Group Pages (9 Ph.D. Research groups, 3 Work package research groups, 1 IDARI Ph.D. student group) a) Collaborations – synchronous communication – Lightweight chat and virtual classrooms b) File exchange c) Group discussion board (IDARI Ph.D. students) iv) Send e-mail
Additional Uses of Blackboard in IDARI Course content and knowledge management system: Course content: Documentation Course Documents Student Documents Workshop Knowledge Management: Project Information Personnel Information External Links Functionality supported by Tools, Navigational aids, and Control Panel
Summary Blackboard is a VLE and Course Management System that supports CMC Primary use in IDARI is to promote and facilitate CMC