COMPUTER CENTRE

Blackboard

The Leicester Experience

Dr Richard MobbsHead of Learning Technology, Computer Centre

Where we came from

TALENT / TLTSN (1996-1999)

WEBBOARD (2000)

E-mail List Server

STILE (1992-1996)

CAS LE

1998-2001

UKeU 2001-2005

Styles of Learning

• resource based learning

• tutorials

• simulations and models

• information retrieval systems

• drill and practice

• self assessment and feedback

What we could offer

• Web server accounts

• On-line resources (multi-media)

• On-line databases

• Limited protection of resources

• Limited assessment

• On-line discussion

What we couldn’t offer

• Controlled access to resources

• Student tracking

• Controlled delivery

• Good quality information

The Learning Hysteresis

time

learning

e-Learninge-Learning

Important Issues

• Had we established clear objectives for the use of a VLE?

• Resources required to implement and support the system

• How many students?

• Cost of the system (hardware & software)

• Cost of training and support

• Support agreed standards (IMS) for integration

Getting Started

2001: VLE paper to VCAC with a 5 year Business Plan

No… we didn’t look at Open Source

JISC Funding / Advice

The Contenders

• BlackBoard

• WebCT

• Learnwise

• Fretwell-Downing

Considerations

• Ease of Use

• Joining a Family

• Cost

• Integration

• Additional Staff Resources

Ownership

VLE

MIS: Student Record; Timetable; Examination

AcademicStaff Development

Learning & Teaching Strategy

ComputingServices

Library

AcademicDepartments

Blackboard

Blackboard VLE

Web Environment

Operating System

VLE

Data Base

Operating System

Data Base

Roll Out

2002: Basic System Launched with modules mainly from School of Education.

Further Developments

• 2004: Move to Blackboard Enterprise

• 2005: Blackboard Content System added – support for ePortfolios etc.

• 2006: Blackboard Community System

Bb Growth @ LeicesterBb Course

SitesBusiness

PlanUsers

2002 59 0-3000 292

2003 238 3-6000 2854

2004* 502 6-10000 7041

2005 916 10-15000 12176

2006 1080 15177

From VLE

Virtual Learning Environment

CurriculumMapping

Controlled Access / Delivery

Tutor Support Communication

TrackingAssessment

LearningResources

Off-LineLearning

From VLE to MLE

Virtual Learning Environment

CurriculumMapping

Controlled Access / Delivery

Tutor Support Communication

TrackingAssessment

LearningResources

Off-LineLearning

Student Record System

Business Systems

Quality Process

Managed Learning Environment

External Agencies

User-centric MLETransport Layer – Used to communicate between

various services

Library Student Record System

VLE Timetables

Portal

Web Services and Other Services

User Authentication

MLE Solution

SAP (currently supporting HR & Finance)

Merger of Computer Centre & MIS after SUMS Review

eLearning Developments

• Staff Development – VLE/elearning Trainer (2003) (Integrated into the PGCERT course)

• Prof of eLearning – Gilly Salmon (2005)• eLearning Strategy – currently separate

to Learning and Teaching Strategy; approved by Learning and Teaching Committee

Blackboard Developments

• Content System (2005)– Course Content Management– ePortfolios (myPDP)– eReserves (CLA support)

• Community System (2006)

Training & Support• Blackboard training day once a month during term

time and it includes one hour Blackboard familiarization session, two hour workshop on course site set up, contents, assessment and communication tools, a two hour workshop plus for individual support on project work and drop in session.

• ‘Enhancing your course with a VLE’ events to focus on pedagogic issues of using a VLE and practical session on using Blackboard communication tools.

• Ad-hoc training session for departments or course teams.

• eDays

Additional Features

• JISC Plagiarism Detection Service

• Macromedia Breeze – Presenter: PowerPoint + audio to Flash

“streaming” files– Meeting: video conferencing

Does it work?Optical Fibre Communications mark distribution

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100Percentage of students with mark <M

Mar

k M

%

2004

1998

1999

2000

Demonstration

Blackboard:http://blackboard.le.ac.uk/

E brochures:http://breeze.le.ac.uk/t7shu2u.ub2dth/