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

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

3.  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

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

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

6.  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)

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

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

9. 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

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