Application Pack 1

As Blackboard rolls out the new names for our Blackboard Learning System™ products, it’s a good time to take a look at the new functionality in Application Pack 1 for both the Blackboard Learning System™ – CE (Release 6) and Blackboard Learning System™ - Vista (Release 4) Enterprise Licenses. Note that Application Pack 1 is free for any client and is required for the Blackboard Portfolio for Vista and CE. Application Pack 1 has a strong active learning focus with new student-centered features, efficient course management improvements and administrative enhancements. 

Application Pack 1 has numerous active learning innovations that are student-centered and promote student participation. These include features like: Student Peer Review, Student Contributions, Journals and Class Blogs, Class Rosters and an enhanced Goals Tool. With this functionality, instructors can:

• Promote active student participation through a discussion assignment where students are asked to rate their classmates’ posts to provide constructive feedback
• Build a database of prominent authors using materials contributed directly by students
• Use Blogs and the Roster tool to create new ways for students to interact casually with one another and foster social networking

Efficient Customization is a key theme for this release. In Application Pack 1, enhanced customization options creates greater flexibility for all users. Improved efficiencies include:

• New My Profile
• New My Tool options
• Improved My Blackboard (formerly My WebCT) Management
• More Flexible Course List Channel

There are also several improved efficiencies on the administrator side. These reduce the time that system administrators need to spend on key administrative functions. These improvements include:

• Enhanced enrollment management
• Easier term-to-term transition
• Greater flexibility in Discussion management
• Enhanced My Profile that can be shared with others
• Customizable My Tool Options
• Easier to use Calendar
• Streamlined workflow processes
• Strong Password enforcement

In addition to the many teaching and learning innovations, Application Pack 1 provides enhancements that improve course management, save time, and provide administrators with greater flexibility.