Blackboard Launches Portfolio Product for Vista & CE Clients; New Product Enables Colleges and Universities to Foster Student-Directed Reflection, Expression and Assessment
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 12, 2006--Blackboard Inc, (NASDAQ:
BBBB) today announced that the Blackboard Portfolio(TM) for Vista &
CE, formerly known as the WebCT Portfolio, is now available,
addressing strong demand for innovative ways for learners to manage
their personal development.
The Blackboard Portfolio for Vista and CE is a learner-centered
portfolio solution that facilitates personal development planning for
college and university students. The product will give students at
universities deploying WebCT(R) technology from Blackboard a personal
online space where they can collect course materials, present academic
achievements and reflect on those achievements over time.
"With e-Learning technology already deployed across our curriculum
we will be able to seamlessly integrate the Blackboard Portfolio for
Vista & CE, removing technology integration issues and concerns about
the scalability and compatibility of products from multiple vendors,"
said Stephen Clarke, Head of eLearning, University of Birmingham. "We
anticipate significant savings in both time and money, simplifying the
long-term management of what is going to be a cornerstone of our
e-Learning program."
The Blackboard Portfolio for Vista & CE received high marks from
more than 500 participants of online seminars that took place in May
and at pre-conference workshops this week. More than 30 institutions
participated in an Early Access Program - which provided a preview of
the product. The Blackboard Portfolio for Vista & CE is the result of
the Portfolio Development Project, which is made up of representatives
from Universities and the WebCT product team and a follow-on to the
Early Access Program. A roadshow in the United Kingdom was attended by
representatives of half the WebCT(R) institutions in that region.
"Much of the power in education lies in the reflection that a
student conducts between periods of coursework and testing, and over
his or her entire academic career," said Michael Chasen, Blackboard
president and chief executive officer. "There are a variety of ways to
communicate achievements in addition to grades. The Blackboard
Portfolio for Vista & CE provides a valuable tool for this kind of
reflection and exchange."
Archived Webinars explaining the use and benefits of electronic
portfolios are available at
http://www.webct.com/seminar/viewpage?name=seminar_archive
For more information about the Blackboard Portfolio for Vista &
CE, please contact a local Blackboard account manager at
1-800-424-9299, Ext.4, or visit http://www.webct.com/intl/.
About Blackboard
Blackboard Inc. (NASDAQ: BBBB) is a leading provider of enterprise
software applications and related services to the education industry.
Founded in 1997, Blackboard enables educational innovations everywhere
by connecting people and technology. Blackboard solutions are used by
millions of people at academic institutions around the globe,
including colleges, universities, K-12 schools and other education
providers, as well as textbook publishers and student-focused
merchants that serve education providers and their students.
Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North
America, Europe, Australia and Asia. WebCT is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Blackboard Inc.
Blackboard
Educate. Innovate. Everywhere.(TM)
Any statements in this press release about future expectations,
plans and prospects for Blackboard and other statements containing the
words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and
similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the
meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such
forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors,
including the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of our
Annual Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2006 with the SEC. In
addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press
release represent the Company's views as of July 11, 2006. The Company
anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the
Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to
update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future,
the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These
forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing
the Company's views as of any date subsequent to July 11, 2006.
CONTACT: Blackboard Inc.
Senior Manager, Public Relations:
Melissa Chotiner, 202-463-4860 ext. 2404
mchotiner@blackboard.com
or
WebCT
Director of Marketing Communications:
Lisa Philpott, 781-309-1265
lisa.philpott@WebCT.com
or
Fleishman-Hillard Inc.
Media Contact:
Amy Storey, 202-828-8819
storeya@fleishman.com
SOURCE: Blackboard Inc.