1. Blackboard Learn
By: Casey Jore

2. The Beginning
When I first started teaching, I had students answer bell questions everyday when they answered the classroom.
The questions were usually a question on one of the major subjects that we discussed the day before.
However, I was noticing lots of lackluster answers that never really got the students collaborating.
I needed something different.

3. Why Blackboard Learn?
For the last two years, our new administration has been pushing the use of Blackboard Learn.
Due to the limited technology resources at our school, I had been very suspect in my using of the program.
However, this last year I finally decided to switch up my discussion posts and make them an on-line resource instead.

4. Why Blackboard Learn? The instant results have been off the charts.
Every week, I put two to three questions that students must go on and answer and then also respond to a classmate’s response.
Sound very familiar to what every college course does?

5. Why Blackboard Learn?
It is very teacher friendly to use as it allows you to display all of your classes and easily access all of the discussion boards.

6. Why Blackboard Learn?
It is also very easy for students with limited technology skills to access and use. All of the questions can be listed in a neat and easy to find format.

7. Why Blackboard Learn?

8. Why Blackboard Learn?
As shown in my previous slide, the main reason to go with Blackboard Learn is in the results.
I have had students who refuse to talk in class, write paragraphs on topics in Blackboard.
Especially from my government classes, we have been able to have some great discussions on government events and current issues that are being faced by the country.

9. Preparing for College
One of the most difficult or annoying parts of my freshman year of college was the discussion board. Mainly because I had no experience with them.
Blackboard Learn helps prepare students for stating their opinions and then having a dialogue with students who may have a different opinion on an issue.
Students also have to remain civil and accepting of each other’s opinion or else lose points on their discussion grade.

10. What’s Next?
While I currently just use Blackboard Learn for discussions, the possibilities with this website are endless.
As my school prepares to become a one-to-one school with computers, my hope is to have almost all of my assignments and tests put on this website.
I feel that paper tests and worksheets are becoming a thing of the past, so why not introduce students to a technology that will be more practical for college and the job force?

11. Blackboard
I can also enter all of my grades on the site, as well as videos or articles for students to read outside of class.
Possibly best of all, I website has an app that students can download and work on anywhere.
So my students can never have an excuse for not being able to find a computer or the time to get something done!!
In closing, if you are looking for a great website with easy teacher and student interaction with endless possibilities, give Blackboard Learn a try!