Blackboard and OER? Cool.

In what is a very confusing time for the makers and users of learning management systems, this move from Blackboard makes some sense, in some ways, to some people.  To me, though, it represents only toe in the water for Blackboard.  I can certainly understand how difficult this whole arena must be for commercial vendors.  I think it's almost day to day - something new each morning.  Scary, but exciting.  Here's the Chronicle's version of the announcement from Blackboard about their "share" feature. 

Wired Campus - The Chronicle of Higher Education

Professors who use Blackboard’s software have long been forced to lock their course materials in an area effectively marked, “For Registered Students Only,” while using the system. Today the company announced plans to add a “Share” button that will let professors make those learning materials free and open online.

The move may be the biggest sign yet that the idea of “open educational materials” is going mainstream, nearly 10 years after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology first began giving away lecture notes online. Blackboard made the change after college officials complained that the company’s software, which more than half the colleges in the country use for their online-course materials, was holding them back from trying open-education projects.

Ed Tech Magazine - Blended Learning

Thanks to the folks at EdTech Magazine for hearing us out on the topics and issues related to blended learning.  The discussion was good and the article turned out okay. 

EDTECH: Focus On Higher Education - The Right Mix

Faculty and students incorrectly assume that online classes are easier, adds Mike Simmons, senior associate director of the Center for Learning Enhancement, Assessment and Redesign at the University of North Texas.

"They really aren't. They are harder to deliver, and the courses are harder for students," says Simmons, who adds that the Denton, Texas, university has offered blended courses since the 1990s. "They require greater self-discipline."