The Blackboard Dilemma
Posted by walldo on April 5, 2008
It suddenly occurred to me this past Tuesday afternoon that I have a rather sizable project due in the next few weeks for one of my classes. It is the sort of the affair that my Professor explained in full detail on the first day of the semester and more or less neglected to mention it since then. I rummaged through my mess of a room in search of the syllabus but to no avail; I’m sure that by now it has been recycled into a nice cardboard box. No worries, no worries. This is the entire reason Lewis University has Blackboard! I guided my internet browser towards Lewis’ website, logged in to Blackboard and… the course is not listed. How unfortunate that I must now rely on human interaction to find information. Blackboard is an amazing service. In theory, it provides instant access to up to date grades, assignments, and provides a new level of student interaction via the built in discussion boards. The only problem, and it is a glaring one, is that not all teachers make use of Blackboard. Few of those who do make use of all its features. After nearly three complete years of college education at three different college, I am confidently able to divide Professors into three different categories of Blackboard user.
The Blackboard Enthusiast
Typically an energetic 20-something Teacher fresh out of college, OR the ever-so-rare middle aged teacher who still has their passion for teaching and technology. This teacher will go out of their way to make use of Blackboard. They will give you completely unnecessary assignments, just for the sake of utilizing the website. When the inevitable ‘group project’ comes along, they will encourage students to use the Discussion Board. If they REALLY love Blackboard, they will grade you on the DB use. An hour after you turn in an assignment, your grade will be posted. They encourage students to download and utilize the Blackboard Instant Messenger client thing, which no one will do. If there is a Blackboard feature, no matter how insane it is, this Professor will try their hardest to make use of it.
The “It’s there, so i’ll use it” Mentality
Professors who hold this mentality recognize Blackboard as a useful asset but they don’t utilize it to its full extent. You’ll find the course syllabus and some useful documents posted there and your grades will get updated (eventually) but don’t be surprised if the information there is accurate. Blackboard is a good starting point for getting info, but your Professor is still the best option. There is a small possibility that those in this category will someday evolve into a Blackboard Enthusiast. Maybe after they discover the glory that is Discussion Boards.
“I already have a chalkboard!”
Forget it. Even if these professors somehow manage to get their class listed on Blackboard, you aren’t going to find any information besides the syllabus. More often than not, though, this professor’s class will simply not exist on Blackboard. They have no desire and no interest in it.
So which categories do your professors fall in to? Share below.
