Butler University is undertaking an evaluation of Blackboard during the 2011-2012 academic year. Butler uses Blackboard as its Learning Management System (LMS) – a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, and reporting of administrative programs, academic content including course materials and quizzes, and other similar functions. Butler University adopted Blackboard in 2000 so it is time for us to review Blackboard and its current competitors to ensure that we have the most effective system in place. The evaluation is scheduled to take place over the course of the 2011-2012 academic year. While we have remained consistent in upgrades to the Blackboard system, we acknowledge that these changes may or may not be keeping pace with the changes in pedagogical demands of students and faculty. We conducted an extensive review of similar evaluation projects conducted by our peers throughout the country and have used that data to inform our process. This process includes the simultaneous evaluation of the leading open-source competitor, Moodle. The outcome of this project will either validate Blackboard as the appropriate system for Butler, recommend Moodle as an alternative, or begin a new evaluation if needed. For a complete summary of the project statement, list of individuals involved in the evaluation, and other information please visit the various pages and links within this site.
Questions about the evaluation project should be directed to Julianne M. Miranda, Senior Director, Center for Academic Technology – jmiranda@butler.edu