Blackboard Expands Presence in Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

Strategic Insights -

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has expanded the use of the Blackboard Learning System as the e-learning platform for its system of 14 state universities. Blackboard's system will be live at 11 universities this academic year, and will be launched at the remaining three universities in future semesters. This move reflects the growing desire among university systems for statewide service and local control, allowing each institution to maintain its individuality while participating in a shared technology system.

Key Takeaways:

  • Blackboard will provide PASSHE faculty and students with improved e-learning capabilities, while giving the universities system autonomy at the institution level.
  • Tens of thousands of PASSHE's full-time enrollees have the opportunity to begin using Blackboard, with student adoption occurring rapidly.
  • The Blackboard Learning System and the Blackboard Community System, along with the Blackboard Content System, create a comprehensive online learning platform that supports multiple approaches to teaching, learning, research, and collaboration.
  • The training program includes an onsite program tailored to the specific needs of each school, as well as online training courses, which currently are being delivered through the Blackboard Learning System at the 11 initial sites.
  • PASSHE comprised 14 universities in rural, suburban, and small-town settings across the commonwealth, making it the largest higher education provider in Pennsylvania.
  • The Blackboard Academic Suite, which includes the Blackboard Learning System and the Blackboard Community System, is the leading e-Education solution contained in the Blackboard suite.
  • Blackboard is a leading provider of enterprise software and services to the education industry, with clients including colleges, universities, schools, and other education providers.
  • The adoption of the Blackboard Learning System by PASSHE reflects an effort among state systems to standardize e-learning at a high level of service system-wide, while preserving the autonomy of institutions.
  • Bloomsburg University, West Chester University, and other PASSHE universities have praised Blackboard's ease of use and functionality, and look forward to improving the e-learning experience with other PASSHE universities.

Statistics:

  • 11 PASSHE universities will begin using Blackboard's system this academic year.
  • PASSHE comprises 14 universities in rural, suburban, and small-town settings across the commonwealth.
  • Tens of thousands of PASSHE's full-time enrollees will have the opportunity to use Blackboard.
  • Blackboard's Blackboard Academic Suite includes the Blackboard Learning System and the Blackboard Community System.

Sources:

  • Blackboard Inc., "Training Program Supports Back-to-School Launch at PASSHE Universities" (no date)
  • Blackboard Inc., press release, October 21, 2004 (cited in the original text)
  • "About Blackboard Inc." (no date)