AET 510University 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

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)

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)

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

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 Learning

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

ContentManagement

DiscussionBoard

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

Experience Incorporation of previous learning

Access content as needed – bypass lessons learned

Unrestricted communication, includes life experience

Ability to communicate in native language

Readiness to Learn Provides 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 Learning Provides overview of learning systems

Provides comprehensive information

Forum for feedback on what has been learned

Multi-lingual Communication

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

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.

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.