1. AET 510 University of Phoenix April 8, 2009 Presentation by Learning Team D Sandra Watkins-Keough, Luis Cova, Mark Reha Blackboard Inc. Innovative Adult Education Program Masters in Adult Education and Training AET 510 University of Phoenix

2. The Masters in Adult Education and Training AET 510 University of Phoenix Who is Blackboard Inc.?  Provider of products that enable universities, schools, and corporations to host their classes on the World Wide Web  Develops and licenses their software application and related services to over 2000 institutions in over 60 countries  Public company that is based in Washington, D.C. Image Courtesy of www.blackboard.com References: (www.blackboard.com, 2009)

3. History of The Company  Founded in 1997 by two education advisors, Mattew Pittinsky and Michael Chasen  Went public in 2004 and traded on NASDAQ under the BBBB ticker symbol  Currently the market leader with a 77% market share in learning management systems  Active in acquisitions of e-learning technology  $312M sales in 2008 with over 1000 employees The Masters in Adult Education and Training AET 510 University of Phoenix References: (www.corporateinformation.com, 2009)

4. Customer Base  Customer base varies in industry, size, and needs  Customers cross several geographical divides  Customers include: –K-12 –Higher Education –Corporations –Associations –Government –Career Colleges The Masters in Adult Education and Training AET 510 University of Phoenix

5. Relevant Capabilities The Masters in Adult Education and Training AET 510 University of Phoenix Image Courtesy of http://www.kyb.mpg.de/ernstgroup/learning.html  Blackboard capabilities relevant to adult education include the following:  Discussion Board  Online Testing  Accessing Content Anywhere, Anytime  Library  Interactive Media  Small Group Learn ing

6. Andragogy and Blackboard Use The Theory of Andragogy, presented by Malcolm Knowles, identified key features for learning. The chart below presents how Blackboard is relevant to Knowles’ theory. The Masters in Adult Education and Training AET 510 University of Phoenix Andragogical Characteristic Learning Management Content Management Discussion Board Platform Self Concept / Self Direction Provides valuable feedback learner performance Access learning resources as needed Forum to express self in critical thinking Self-directed learning in pace, timing ExperienceIncorporation of previous learning Access content as needed – bypass lessons learned Unrestricted communication, includes life experience Ability to communicate in native language Readiness to LearnProvides forum to prepare learner; requirements and standards Incorporates learner’s need to interact Evaluates learner readiness in critical thinking Eliminates obstacles due to computer technology Orientation to LearningProvides overview of learning systems Provides comprehensive information Forum for feedback on what has been learned Multi-lingual Communication

7. The Masters in Adult Education and Training AET 510 University of Phoenix Future Impacts on Adult Education Environment References: (Dillon, 2008)  Blackboard will continue to grow as one of the systems most used for educational purposes  Blackboard’s popularity will also improve not only in colleges and educational institutions but also for use in corporate level training and professional development  Adult students, with the intention of saving money while continuing their education, will also turn to online education

8. The Masters in Adult Education and Training AET 510 University of Phoenix Conclusion This presentation analyzed a technological trend in adult education. After studying current trends and the usage of Blackboard, it is noticeable the impact Blackboard has had in education, colleges, organizations and training facilities. Although the future is uncertain, Blackboard and its technology will be of influence in the world of adult education.

9. References The Masters in Adult Education and Training AET 510 University of Phoenix Anonymous. (2009). Blackboard Inc. Retrieved April 4, 2009 from http://www.blackboard.com/ Anonymous. (2009). Corporation Information. Retrieved April 4, 2009 from http://www.corporateinformation.com/ Anonymous. (October, 2004). Three-Fourths of U.S.News & World Report's Top-Ranked National Universities Use Blackboard Software. Retrieved March 25, 2009 from http://www.distance- educator.com/dnews/Article12212.phtml Anonymous. (September, 2008). Looking toward the future: Employers and employees turn to education. TCMnet Website. Retrieved March 29, 2009 from http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2008/09/28/3673920.htm Dillon, S. (July, 2008). High Cost of Driving Ignites Online Classes Boom. The New York Times. Retrieved March 20, 2009 from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/11/education/11colleges.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&sq=online%20conference& st=nyt&scp=3 Smith, M. K. (2002). “The Encyclopedia of Informal Education”, Retrieved April 4, 2009. www.infed.org/thinkers/et-knowl.htm.