1. The Uses of Blackboard in IDARI

2. Objectives
Provide overview of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC)
Identify uses of Blackboard in IDARI

3. 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

4. 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

5. How does a VLE benefit IDARI?
repository for formal course documents e.g. journal articles, reports, and documents not suitable for 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, , live chat
collection of relevant online external links or resources - links to relevant websites including principle partner and principle contractor websites

6. 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

7. What is CMC? Computer-Mediated Communication
Collective term for a range of technologies including:
Discussion boards / bulletin boards
“Live” chat
Conferencing tools

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Summary
Blackboard is a VLE and Course Management System that supports CMC
Primary use in IDARI is to promote and facilitate CMC