Blackboard Launches Mobile Beta Program For its Collaborate Platform

Washington — June 19

Blackboard Inc. has announced the launch of a Beta program for an interactive mobile application for Blackboard Collaborate, its Web conferencing platform built for education.

The new app would let learners participate in live Web conferencing sessions from Smartphone and tablet devices, significantly expanding access to sessions delivered through the platform.

The app, Blackboard Collaborate Mobile, would let users join a live Web conference through a learning management system (LMS) link, email link or calendar invite.

After the session launches automatically, users would access a range of interactive tools enabling them to view content, communicate through chat and audio, respond to surveys, raise a hand, see the status of other participants, join breakout rooms and more.

Development of the app responds to client feedback and great interest among users for mobile support for their collaboration and Web conferencing initiatives. The effort is also part of Blackboard’s broader focus on adding innovative mobile applications across its full suite of products and solutions.

The Beta program is made up of K-12 and higher education institutions that will provide feedback on the design and functionality of Blackboard Collaborate services while in development. Many of the institutions are also members of the Blackboard Collaborate Product Advisory Council, which is comprised of about 60 institutions.

The Blackboard Collaborate platform’s Web conferencing, instant messaging and voice authoring technologies are used by thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate and government organizations worldwide.

Blackboard Collaborate Mobile is planned to be available later this year in initial applications for the iPad and iPhone.

Source: Blackboard Inc.