Blackboard Setting the Pace in EdTech Industry
Blackboard is a leading global education technology company that is gradually transforming the education sector. The company provides innovative teaching and learning solutions, which serve higher education, K-12, business, and government clients worldwide.
Blackboard is devoted to changing the paradigm of education through technology. Its mission is to make education more engaging, effective, and accessible. The company connects a deep understanding of technology with pedagogy to create platforms that facilitate personalized and integrated learning.
Recently, Blackboard has been making significant strides in the education sector. The company's efforts have culminated in ground-breaking achievements that set it apart as a leader in EdTech. This article takes an in-depth look at these developments and highlights Blackboard's contributions to the education sector.
Product Portfolio Expansion
Blackboard has a wide range of products that cater to various education sectors. The company's product portfolio includes learning management systems, analytics tools, mobile learning applications, content management systems, and collaboration tools. Blackboard has expanded its product portfolio further to meet the changing needs of educators and learners.
In 2020, Blackboard unveiled a learning experience platform (LXP) known as Blackboard Skills. Blackboard Skills is a platform that enables organizations to measure, develop, and recognize employees' skills. The platform links employee learning activities to business outcomes, facilitating proper alignment of corporate goals and employee development. Blackboard Skills is particularly relevant in today's ever-changing job market, where skill development is a prerequisite for career advancement.
In addition, Blackboard recently launched Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, a platform that facilitates real-time student and teacher communication. The platform has tools that promote interactive and engaging learning experiences for learners. With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing schools to adopt online learning, Blackboard Collaborate Ultra has become a vital tool in ensuring continuity of education.
Enhanced Accessibility
Accessibility is critical in ensuring that all learners, including those with disabilities, access education. Blackboard has been advancing accessibility efforts across its platforms to ensure maximum inclusivity. The company has been enhancing its products to ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines and laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Blackboard Ally is a product the company launched in 2017 to advance accessibility in education. Ally is a tool that makes digital content accessible and available to everyone. The platform automatically converts uploaded files such as PDFs and Microsoft Office files into multiple alternative formats, such as audio, HTML, and ePUB. Ally also provides feedback on the accessibility of digital content, making it easier for educators to identify and remedy barriers in their course materials.
Recently, Blackboard announced that Ally is now available in many world languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and French. The platform's support for multiple languages ensures that accessibility is not limited to English-speaking learners but is extended to a global audience.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Blackboard recognizes the significance of strategic partnerships in achieving its mission of advancing education through technology. The company has been collaborating with various educational institutions, organizations, and technology companies.
In 2020, Blackboard announced a partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to enhance learner engagement and teacher productivity. The collaboration aims to integrate AWS machine learning services with Blackboard's learning management system. The integration will enable personalized learning and provide teachers with real-time insights and analytics on student performance.
Blackboard has also partnered with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) to enhance online learning experiences. The partnership involves leveraging Blackboard's LMS and SNHU's competency-based education approach to provide students with personalized and flexible learning experiences.
Conclusion
Blackboard remains at the forefront of the education technology industry, advancing technology solutions that change the education sector's landscape. The company's efforts have contributed to improved engagement, accessibility, and innovation in education. Blackboard's unparalleled dedication to education technology positions the company for continued growth and success in the future.