What is Blackboard Learn? (Key Features, Benefits & Pricing)

While online courses are not new to the e-learning industry, they have increased in popularity recently. Several factors have contributed to this, not least of all being the fact that they are a massively profitable venture. Currently, they are valued at an astonishing USD 456.5 billion and are projected to grow to USD 842.64 billion by 2030. 

With all this growth comes a need for tools, such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), that will allow course creators and students to access material efficiently. One LMS that many creators stand by is Blackboard Learn. 

So, what is Blackboard Learn? We’ll look at this software and answer any other questions you might have about it, including pricing and features.

Blackboard LMS might be perfect for your course needs!

What is Blackboard Learn? 

Blackboard Learn (previously the Blackboard Learning Management System) is a member of the Anthology group and a cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS). An LMS is an essential tool for e-learning as it is used to plan, execute, and assess the learning process. 

The essential features of an LMS allow instructors to organize and share learning materials and monitor student participation. It also includes a forum for students to interact with the material and engage with their instructor and, in some cases, other students.

Blackboard Learn’s adaptability is a key strength that empowers users, regardless of their technical proficiency. This adaptability allows course creators to design their learning platform to best serve their objectives or accommodate their students’ needs. In fact, it can closely replicate a traditional classroom setting, making it an excellent choice for hybrid learning. 

Course builders can choose between Blackboard Learn Original, which has more basic features, and Blackboard Learn Ultra, which includes more advanced tools. Users who want to learn on the go can also use the Blackboard App. Students do not have the option to upgrade a course to the Ultra version; this can only be done by the instructor if they choose to utilize the advanced features. 

Blackboard Learn stays ahead of most competitors by adapting to industry changes and introducing innovative ideas. In response to the surge of AI-powered tools, they have incorporated market-leading generative AI functions that positively impact course structure and ensure academic integrity through plagiarism detectors.

Who is Blackboard Learn for? 

Blackboard Learn encourages learning by supporting diverse educational needs, making it suitable for various learners and educators. In consideration of physical and learning disabilities, Blackboard Learn prioritizes accessibility in the structure of its site and how content can be added. 

Though it doesn’t currently offer auto-caption media files, it provides full support for captions in all media types so course builders can add their own. This comprehensive support ensures that every learner, regardless of their needs, feels included and catered to. 

The platform is also designed in compliance with the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to ensure compatibility with the latest versions of assistive technology for those with visual impairments. 

From quick links and shortcuts to drag-and-drop features, they have also made it possible for those with mobility impairments to use the site exclusively with their keyboard if needed.

Concerning learning disabilities, there are features that both the student and instructor can use to create an individualized experience that meets their specific needs. Instructors can accommodate students who need more time, more attempts, different display options, or an alternative testing location. 

On their side, students can set up notifications and reminders to be sent to their email, added to their My Blackboard dashboard, or via text messages. Each user can also customize the layout to reduce clutter and visual distractions.

Beyond accommodating users’ needs, Blackboard also caters to various learning levels, from K-12 to higher education and professional training. 

Blackboard Learn provides tailored tools and features specifically designed for younger students, enabling teachers to create engaging and interactive learning environments. By closely mimicking a face-to-face classroom setting, Blackboard Learn offers a stable environment for hybrid learning, which is especially valuable for the unique needs of K-12 students.

Colleges and universities leverage Blackboard Learn to deliver a comprehensive educational experience. Its robust features support efficient course management, student assessments, and collaborative learning. The platform enables seamless communication and interaction between instructors and students, fostering an effective learning environment.

Professional Development and Corporate Training also benefit significantly from Blackboard Learn’s capabilities. Organizations utilize the platform to conduct employee training, offering courses tailored for professional growth and skill development.

In addition, Blackboard Learn’s analytics and reporting tools are instrumental in tracking individuals’ progress and ensuring the effectiveness of training programs. This makes it an invaluable resource for organizations seeking to enhance the skills and knowledge of their workforce.

Blackboard Learn Features

Blackboard Learn allows different access levels based on the user’s role and mode of access. Whether you’re a student or an instructor, you’ll only be shown courses for which you have been assigned a specific role. 

The main features are:

1. The Landing Page

Some institutions can set up a landing page for Blackboard Learn, the default page after logging in. The default initial screen that appears is the Activity Stream.

2. The Activity Stream

The Activity Stream updates the course activity, such as new content uploads, assignments or grades. It automatically prioritizes items to help users focus on their most important tasks. 

3. The Courses List

Users can view and assess all courses they are registered for or assigned to with the course list. Instructors have more capabilities to access content, create announcements, and moderate discussions.

4. Grading (Instructors only)

From the main menu or within a course, you can quickly review, provide feedback, and grade assignment submissions. You can also view associated rubrics and attachments. Then, when you’re ready, you can post the grades for students to see.

App-specific features include security settings such as Touch or Face ID and push notifications to alert instructors and students about new app activities. To facilitate learning on the go, students can download course files and view them offline when they have limited or no internet connectivity.

Benefits of Blackboard Learn

1. Highly customizable

Blackboard Learn offers extensive customization options, allowing course builders to design learning environments to meet specific objectives and student needs. It also doesn’t require extensive technical skills to get started, making it an excellent option for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

2. Mobile-friendly

Blackboard Learn has an app on iOS and Android designed to ensure that students and instructors can conveniently access courses, assignments, and grades on the go. The mobile accessibility of the platform enhances flexibility and provides a convenient way for users to engage in their learning activities from wherever they are.

 3. Comprehensive Analytics

Blackboard Learn includes comprehensive analytics tools that provide instructors with detailed student performance and engagement insights. This data informs the design and delivery of future courses and identifies areas where students might need more attention. This is particularly valuable for corporate training as course performance often influences job roles, giving managers and executives useful information to structure their teams.

4. Dedicated Support and Seamless Integration

Blackboard Learn offers dedicated support and seamless integration with various educational tools and systems. It provides round-the-clock assistance, tutorials, documentation, and a community of users, ensuring a smooth experience and making educators feel supported.

5. Facilitates Collaborative Learning

Interactive tools like discussions allow for collaborative learning and group participation. This interactive nature is particularly appealing for remote-first organizations, as it fosters connections within the company. 

Pricing

Rather than offering a set price for various tiers, Blackboard Learn allows course builders to customize their plans. They can select the number of users who will have access to the account and the specific features that will be included in their plan. This customization means users aren’t paying for features they don’t need, and flexible plans are available for all levels of users. 

The starting price is cited as $9500 annually, and a free trial gives users access to 72 features. Blackboard recommends speaking with a team representative to create a customized plan and estimate based on specific needs.

Top Blackboard Learn Alternatives

While Blackboard Learn is a robust and widely used LMS, several alternatives might suit different preferences or requirements:

1. Moodle

Moodle is an open-source LMS known for its flexibility and extensive plugin ecosystem. It allows for seamless integration of various features and functionalities. As a cost-effective platform, it is ideal for educational institutions and course creators seeking to personalize and tailor their learning environment to their specific requirements and preferences.

2. Canvas by Instructure

Much like Blackboard Learn, Canvas is used by educators and learners from K-12 onward. Educators and creators are particularly drawn to Canvas because of its intuitive interface, extensive customization options, and seamless integration with various educational tools and resources.

3. Ruzuku

Ruzuku is designed for creators who want to launch and manage online courses quickly, whether from scratch or by using the templates they offer. It focuses more on higher education and corporate training. Its straightforward interface allows users to build and market courses quickly, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and small businesses focused on professional development and continuing education.

4. TalentLMS

TalentLMS is a versatile platform catering to educational institutions and corporate training needs. It offers a wide range of features, including customizable learning paths, extensive reporting tools, and a user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for organizations of all sizes.

Is Blackboard Learn Right for You?

Blackboard Learn is a versatile and powerful Learning Management System that supports educators and learners across various educational stages. Its customizable features, mobile accessibility, and comprehensive analytics make it a top choice for many institutions. 

While several alternatives are available, Blackboard Learn’s robust support and continuous innovation ensure it remains a leader in the e-learning industry. It prides itself on creating an inclusive learning environment that considers the needs of those with physical and learning disabilities. 

Explore Blackboard Learn today and discover how it can transform your educational experience!

If you’re interested in learning how to create your own online course, you may want to join us on our Hybrid Courses Bootcamp. It’s completely free to join and teaches you how to create a successful and profitable online course.