An expenditure of nearly $200,000 for an multi-faceted online learning management program to be used by teachers, students and parents in grades K-12 will be up for a vote by the Fayette County Board of Education later this month.
The proposal for the Blackboard Learn program was presented by Technology Director Sharon Lunceford after a committee of school system staff reviewed a number of proposals. The cost for the program is included in the current budget.
Among its features, Blackboard can be used to enhance teaching tasks and create assignments, manage content, collaborate with teachers across multiple school systems, analyze data and, for students and teachers, provide “anywhere/anytime” learning, according to blackboard.com.
Lunceford said Blackboard has the capability to let teachers, parents and students access and use the program, emphasizing the idea that students can use Blackboard to learn anytime and anywhere.
“I think this is a tremendous tool for us,” said Superintendent Jody Barrow, telling board members that funding for the cloud-hosted program is currently included the the FY 2015 budget. “It provides more resources for our teachers.”
In total, the Blackboard program includes online instruction, managed hosting services, mobile learning, content repository, web conferencing, on-site training and online professional services.
In terms of course delivery, teachers can create engaging learning opportunities for students with collaborative tools such as Wikis and Blogs, integrated media and content such as videos and photos, all delivered within a structured environment that provides students with individualized instruction, according to Blackboard.
As proposed, Blackboard will role out in phases covering up to four years, with 7,000 users (teachers and students) able to access the program in the first year. The number of users increases to 13,000 in the second year, 20,000 in the third year and all users in the fourth year. There is no charge for parent access to the program.
“Based on the committee’s assessment the recommendation is that the board authorize the superintendent to finalize contract and pricing with Blackboard for the Learning Management System and associated components. Total first year estimated costs are approximately $190,900 with annual renewal costs estimated at $180,000 to $255,000 per year depending on selected components. Funds are available in the General Fund Technology budget,” Assistant Superintendent Tom Gray said in a Dec. 18 letter.
Barrow during the discussion said that, with board approval, the school system plans to purchase the program mid-year.
Barrow also noted that Blackboard for some time has been used in the college market.
The school board is expected to vote on the proposal at the Jan. 17 meeting.
