Baskin, Colin, and Anderson, Neil (2008) Learning management systems and virtual learning environments: a higher-education focus. In: Coiro, Julie, Michele, Knobel, Lankshear, Colin, and Leu, Donald J., (eds.) Handbook of Research on New Literacies. Taylor & Francis, New York, pp. 973-998.

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Abstract

The e-mail arrived like all others, but came with the weight of expectation. Why would the presidents and CEOs of the world)s two largest proprietary e-Learning systems be issuing a joint e-mail? It began fairly innocuously: "We are writing you today directly to communicate some momentous news. Earlier today, WebCT and Blackboard signed a formal agreement expressing our intent to merge our companies" (Blackboard, 2005). It continued,

This decision is one that has been made based on careful consideration by both entities. We believe that this union will have a positive impact on the global e-Learning community and on the individual clients of both companies. We want to communicate the rationale behind the merger and to provide some of the early details on what this news means for you. (Blackboard, 2005)

This proposed merger would leverage "the best of Blackboard and WebCT," to deliver an "improved online learning experience" in a single global company (read, community of practice) comprising "some of the brightest, most experienced talent in the e-Learning industry" (Blackboard, 2005). This would include redevelopment of both "Blackboard and WebCT products, WebCT Vista and WebCT Campus Edition, and Blackboard Academic Suit and Blackboard Commerce Suite" with a "futures' orientation" (Blackboard, 2005). Expected to be finalized early in 2006, this in-principle agreement extols greater centralization and standardization within the proprietary e-learning community. It Is also a useful point at which to commence this discussion on learning management systems and virtual learning environments in the higher education (HE) sector.

Item ID:	7370
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-0-8058-5652-1
Keywords:	learning management systems; black board; webCT; higher education
Additional Information:	This publication does not have an abstract. The first two paragraphs of the Introduction are displayed as the abstract.
Date Deposited:	20 Jan 2010 22:55
FoR Codes:	13 EDUCATION > 1399 Other Education > 139999 Education not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9399 Other Education and Training > 939999 Education and Training not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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