 Developing an online module  Agri-Food student  Assess the relevance of using Blackboard Learning as an online learning system

 Lecture on Diploma in Food Supply Chain Management  Very successful course  Currently taught F2F  Develop online or blended?  Huge potential

 High growth area  Global population 9 billion 2050  Emerging BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, & China)  Irish Agri-food exports €10b 2015  Year on year increases in Agri-food students

Advantages:  Increased collaboration  Facilitate group problem solving  Build communication skills  Stronger digital skills  More flexibility  Increased knowledge of subject matter

Problems: Keeping students engaged Motivating students Recent study of 1million users of MOOC’s, only ½ viewed a lecture, only 4% completed course!

 NMC Horizon Report: Higher Education Edition. Johnson, L., Adams Becker, S., Estrada, V., Freeman, A. (2014).  A New Way of Learning: The Impact of Hybrid Distance education on Student Performance. go.nmc.org/neww (2013)  After Setbacks, Online Courses are Rethought. go.nmc.org/setb (2013)  Using Discussion Forums to Support Collaboration. Corich, S., Kinshuk, Hunt, L.M. (2004)  Facilitating Collaboration in Online Learning. Haythornwaite, C. (2006)  The BlackBoard Learning System. Bradford, P., Porciella, M., Balkan, N and Backus, D. The Journal of Education Technology Systems. (2007)

 Tested method  1 st hand experience  Incorporates various useful tools  Discussion boards, wikis, embedded videos

Benefits: 1. Increased availability 2. Quick feedback 3. Improved communication 4. Tracking 5. Skill Building

Drawbacks: 1. Software hard to learn 2. Certain options restricted to specific operating systems 3. Inefficiencies in bandwidth use when materials have to be downloaded every time access is sought 4. Cost

 How do you rate the BlackBoard Learning System?  Could you recommend an alternative system?  What are the advantages of using the alternative systems?