Blackboard Inc. announced a new release of its learning management system (LMS). New functionality focuses on student retention and outcomes.

The release introduces Retention Center, an embedded feature that unveils student performance and engagement. Instructors can recognize risk factors such as missed deadlines and poor grades. Consequently, professors may identify those students that need extra help to improve their performance. Furthermore, instructors have the option to define risk factors on top of the pre-loaded ones. Read the rest of this entry »

Today Blackboard announced two new mobile applications: an app for users of Blackboard MyConnect (a mass notification service) and mobile student debit accounts.

The former allows users to receive and personalize their messaging options from their mobile devices. This app is targeted at individuals who are or desire to be subscribed to Blackboard MyConnect groups—topic-based subscription lists provided by their institutions. Read the rest of this entry »

Blackboard released a new update for its Blackboard Learn platform. Improved usability appears to be the major addition to the experience proposed by Blackboard to its end users—both instructors and students. Read the rest of this entry »

We recently certified SimplyDigi’s learning management suite (LMS) , and I wanted to share my first impressions of the product with you. SimplyDigi was founded in Delaware (US) in 1999 and offers two products: SimplyDigi LMS/LCMS (Learning Content Management System) and DigiCast (for live classroom and meeting events). Both solutions were developed entirely in-house by SimplyDigi, and the company prides itself on being entirely independently financed. Read the rest of this entry »

I am pleased to announce that Blackboard Learn is officially certified by Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) for online evaluation of learning management suites in the Human Capital Management Evaluation Center. My fellow analyst Gabriel Gheorghiu and I had the pleasure of viewing a demonstration of the product given by Blackboard’s senior solutions engineer for professional education, Burt Blair, who readily displayed his in-depth knowledge of the product.

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