e-Course Management Systems Critiqued

Blackboard’s e–learning system dominates the online learning software market except in law schools where TWEN is the major player, much to the chagrin of LexisNexis law school reps. In A Critical Examination of Blackboard’s e-Learning Environment (First Monday, June 2009) Stephanie J. Coopman (Professor of Communication Studies, San José State) critically examines the structure of Blackboard’s two online learning delivery systems, Blackboard 8.0 and Blackboard CE6. Coopman identifies ways in which the platforms both constrain and facilitate instructor–student and student–student interaction. In addition, she delineates features that sustain and challenge traditional power relationships in the classroom. Coopman's article concludes with implications for online pedagogy that may also be applicable toTWEN.

Can Web Tools Like Blogs Replace e-Course Management Systems? Check out Jim Levy's post on Legal Writing Prof Blog for his thoughts about the Chronicle's story, Colleges Consider Using Blogs Instead of Blackboard and a video on the topic. [JH]