Blackboard announced that the University of the Free State, the University of Johannesburg and the University of Pretoria are now grasping Saas (Software as a Service) distribution of Blackboard Learn and their flagship Learning Management System (LMS). The three universities will gain from many enhancements like; zero downtime updates, continuous delivery of new features and reduction of costs.
Blackboard Learn is a virtual learning environment and learning management system developed by Blackboard Inc. It is a web-based server software which features course management, customizable open architecture, and scalable designs that allow integration with student information systems and authentication protocols.
The universities also have the option to either endorse the Ultra experience, the next generation user interface of Blackboard Learn, or continue to use the original experience their students and teachers are used to. This will further permit the institutions to respond to their specific requirements and also focus on delivering a standard teaching and learning experience that meets the needs of the students and faculty.
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The University of Pretoria (UP) has been a client of Blackboard and had integrated the solutions of the Blackboard portfolio over the years. It has been instrumental in delivering an enhanced teaching and learning experience in UP. However UP decided to access SaaS deployment and enjoy the profits that it provides, whilst making sure that staffs and students continued to use all the features of the formal experience.
Dolf Jordan, Deputy Director E-Learning and Media Development at Up said, “The SaaS deployment of Blackboard Learn provides staff and students with greater stability and availability that further enhance the overall online experience.”
“It also contributes to creating an educational ecosystem to support teaching and learning, and student success strategies. Moreover, the transition has significantly increased the value of our investments in education technology, enabling our University to expand its leadership role in e-learning across Africa.” He also said.
Robert Speed, Vice President of Russia, Middle East and Africa at Blackboard said, “We are thrilled that UFS, UJ and UP are now able to experience all the benefits of the SaaS deployment of Blackboard Learn.”
“These successful transitions are only the first steps and we look forward to continuing our partnerships with these forward-thinking institutions, further supporting them as they unlock all the new possibilities a cloud-based approach brings to teaching and learning.”