Blackboard Learn Software Reviews

“Well-suited for school security but outdated

Pros

I used this platform years ago in my own classroom and now with my daughter's school. It seems well-suited to me for security and for use in elementary school.

Cons

It feels a bit outdated and I feel like could be more modern and user-friendly. Also finding our way around can be challenging sometimes.

“Not the best!

Pros

Blackboard was a true pioneer in online education. The universities I attended and worked for were early adopters of putting courses online. In college, I was part of an educational technology team that helped choose the official system for online courses. We evaluated both Blackboard and WebCT and later Blackboard was acquired. My college ultimately selected WebCT but Arizona State University where I earned my degrees has always been a Blackboard Learn campus. Because of this, I have had vast experience using both systems from multiple perspectives.

Cons

The company acted like a monopoly, aggressively suing nearly every other Learning Management System vendor. I mean they behaved as if they held a patent on the very idea of an online learning environment which really suppressed competition and innovation in digital education.

“Lets me structure my course well

Pros

The platform lets me structure my course so students can find their way around without confusion. The page design is similar to other systems so it feels familiar even to new users. Setting everything up is also pretty simple.

Cons

It has its quirks particularly with the gradebook. It is also always updating which can be both a good and a bad thing.

“All-in-one class organizationbut incomplete deadline aggregation

Pros

Blackboard puts all the class information, virtual classrooms and student chat rooms into one easy-to-access app, keeping everything organized for me.

Cons

A common frustration for users is that it only aggregates due dates for some student assignments but not all of them. As this makes it harder for us to get a complete picture of upcoming deadlines.

“Works well but only for higher education

Pros

This software works well for educators and university students, offering the necessary functions for many parts of higher education.

Cons

Navigating it is more difficult compared to other systems. There is definitely a steeper learning curve than with similar software. But it works well once we finally understand it but getting to that point is harder than it should be.

“All my classes in one place

Pros

Having all my classes in one place and being able to manage my assignments through a single system was a huge plus.

Cons

Sometimes assignments would not load properly and had to be submitted again which I do not like.

“Simple to navigate and use

Pros

From a student's point of view, I would say it is very simple to navigate and use.

Cons

The communication tools are not as effective as those in other programs I come across.

“Advanced Analytics but Expensive

Pros

The analytics tools are top-notch and super useful.

Cons

The cost is pretty high compared to similar solutions.

“Well-organized but need more development

Pros

The system is well-organized and fairly easy to get around though it is not quite as user-friendly as some other products out there.

Cons

I feel like the email and discussion forum features could use more development to make them easier to navigate.

“My favorite discussion board

Pros

Discussion board is my favorite feature and it is the one I use the most.

Cons

The user interface looks dated next to newer LMS platforms. The colors, fonts and overall design could use a refresh too.

“Totally changed online learning

Pros

Blackboard Learn which is now part of Anthology, totally changed the game for online and distance learning by bringing so many useful features together in one place. Its design is simple too and the variety of tools and integrations all work to make learning smooth and enjoyable. Also instructors can manage entire courses and users with just a few clicks, monitor activity feeds and create assignments and tests using built-in AI. The addition of these AI tools has definitely put it ahead as we can generate texts, activities and tests right within the platform without having to use external tools like ChatGPT.

Cons

A few important things are missing especially when it comes to system requirements. The platform often crashes or lags which really frustrates me. And I am still not a fan of cloud-based systems because it has a file size limit that blocks large uploads which is odd since educators often need to use bigger files for their classes. Another point is that it really is not a great fit for small businesses as it feels like it is built more for large institutions.

“fairly simple with a learning curve

Pros

The platform is fairly simple though there is a bit of a learning curve. Some of the functions do not seem very logical until we have spent some time with them.

Cons

One thing I noticed is that you have to get through a bit of a learning curve when you start.

“Simple for onboarding new users

Pros

Onboarding new users is simple which I feel like is great for people who are just starting out.

Cons

The folder system can feel a bit frustrating to work with sometimes.

“Handles core tasks well

Pros

In general the platform handles its core tasks very well and has definitely gotten better and more reliable over the years.

Cons

Well the user interface was not the best when I first began using it.

“good for everyone involved

Pros

Blackboard Learn is good for everyone involved, be it students and instructors with clear, dependable information that truly supports the entire learning process.

Cons

It is a very reliable platform with no major issues or faults to report. It consistently does exactly what we need it to do.

“Simple for making announcements

Pros

One thing I like is that making announcements and using the various features is a simple process.

Cons

Deleting content involves too many steps which confuses me at times.

“easy to get to department sites

Pros

Getting to different department sites is easy and hassle free. Plus we can find exactly what we need without any trouble.

Cons

The data storage and collaboration features were pretty limited and I find them difficult to navigate which made teamwork and file management more challenging than it should have been.

“Highly functional and well-designed

Pros

The platform is highly functional and feels like it was carefully designed with both students and instructors in mind.

Cons

Well the interface is not always visually appealing, particularly when typing responses or using the mobile version.

“excellent at organizing online classes but needs more updates

Pros

Blackboard was excellent at organizing online classes though sometimes it was difficult to locate specific content.

Cons

We had some problems but that was because our organization experienced too many university-wide system outages.

“Perfect for routine use

Pros

I find Blackboard Learn really easy to use, whether I'm teaching or studying. It's simple and smooth, making everything run smoothly.

Cons

Sometimes, I need to click four or five times to reach my destination.

“Blackboard: may not be the best choice

Pros

Blackboard Learn is quite user-friendly and easy to get started with. It feels familiar to most students and professors.

Cons

I did not like the limitations on customizing course features, like colors and the clunky user interface.

“Challenging at first, but now very easy

Pros

I admit I struggled with Blackboard when I first come across it in 2015, but I have come to see it as reliable and relatively simple it is. Everything makes sense, navigation is easy and the system handles grading accurately while storing information for as long as needed to verify submissions and grades.

Cons

My biggest issue was being suddenly switched to Blackboard after only using Moodle. My school offered group training and I attended several help sessions. Although the systems differ I find Blackboard to be superior in every way.

“Using blackboard daily

Pros

It is super easy to use. Posting assignments, joining discussions and accessing materials is all smooth and simple.

Cons

I did not have any issues with the program itself.

“Amazing experience with blackboard!

Pros

I love everything about Blackboard Learn. I like being able to check my grades weekly and submit any late items. Plus, I can easily reach out to my teacher whenever I need help.

Cons

Occasionally, it would freeze or log me out if I was not active in my session but other than that I love it.

“Key to my success

Pros

I used Blackboard the most to get updates on grades, curriculum changes and other announcements from the faculty. It made navigating individual courses easier, especially when I needed to miss class. Over my four years of college, Blackboard was essential for my success.

Cons

I think the main drawback of Blackboard Learn is its aesthetics. Compared to other learning management systems like Canvas, the Blackboard Learn interface feels a bit outdated. However despite this main con, it was an overall fantastic tool during my undergraduate education.

“Smooth and clean interface

Pros

I like Blackboard's layout—it's crisp and clean, which makes it easy to use. It's improved a lot over time and just keeps getting better.

Cons

I felt like there was something missing that I could not quite identify, but overall its such a great product!

“very flexible product

Pros

I really appreciate the flexibility Blackboard gives me to update information and make changes to coursework. If a student submits an assignment incorrectly, I can reset it for just that student without impacting the entire class. It makes things so much easier to manage!

Cons

With more people using mobile devices, Blackboard really needs to improve its mobile-friendliness. Some screens, like the gradebook, don't work as well on devices like iPads and have limited functionality.

“Must-have tool for my university

Pros

I find Blackboard great for bringing everything I need into one easy-to-access and navigate platform. It keeps everything organized and simple to find!

Cons

Nothing specific, except for the occasional updates that are necessary but make me annoyed at times.

“Handy tool for managing courses

Pros

Blackboard has a clear and easy-to-use interface, making it simple to access all the course information I need.

Cons

One thing I've noticed is that sometimes files won't upload, which can be a big issue. It's usually due to system glitches or unsupported file formats.

“Good solution

Pros

The platform's user-friendliness is clear, whether I'm using it during classroom sessions or accessing it remotely. It's easy to use in both settings.

Cons

The messaging service wasn't always reliable for communication. It didn't work as smoothly as expected at times.

“Helpful tool for students

Pros

It is super easy to use, which is why so many college students love it. Plus, it lets you communicate with professors in real-time, making it even more convenient.

Cons

I found nothing to dislike about it.

“Fair, but can Improve

Pros

Blackboard Learn has a great feature that easily integrates different apps and learning platforms into the LMS, making everything more streamlined.

Cons

It doesn't have the most interactive interface. It can be a bit tricky to use at times.

“Improving online learning environments

Pros

The platform excels in organizing content ensuring mobile accessibility and maintaining a secure learning environment.

Cons

A concern I have is the platform's cost, especially when compared to other learning platforms. On top of that, it can feel a bit complicated when you're first getting started.

“Frequently replaced, but still valuable

Pros

Even though many are switching from Blackboard to D3L/Brightspace, Blackboard still has a lot of advantages. Its user-friendly interface and the key feature, Blackboard UltraCollaborate were especially important during the pandemic for remote learning.

Cons

One issue I've run into is that it sometimes deletes older classes without notifying the professor, which makes it harder to use or reuse past materials.

“Tool that pays off

Pros

It is a well-designed platform that's super easy to navigate for both admins and students. The way it’s set up makes it simple to access things like lecture notes, grades, and messages from admins. After trying out other learning management systems, Blackboard Learn is definitely my top choice.

Cons

Blackboard turned out to be more expensive than other options, so our organization decided to switch tools because of cost concerns.

“Blackboard's role in my college success

Pros

Blackboard Learn has played a pivotal role in enhancing my college experience. It serves as an invaluable tool for universities nationwide, reducing the burden of paperwork through online assignments that automatically grade themselves, providing students with instant feedback. The ease of use of Blackboard benefits both students and professors, simplifying the management of college courses. It offers flexibility in formatting and facilitates productive discussions between professors and students through features like the discussion board.

Cons

During my freshman year in college, my university had just begun using Blackboard, leading to a slight learning curve for professors. They requested patience as they familiarized themselves with the platform. While this initial adjustment period was understandable, in subsequent years, professors had a firm grasp of the program, and such issues were no longer a concern.

“Blackboard needs updates

Pros

I found it super easy to create tests and grades and grading them was simple. The layout was clear and easy to use, which made everything easy to find and use.

Cons

The platform looks pretty outdated and could definitely use a cleaner, more modern design to make it easier to use.

“All-in-one learning management system

Pros

One of the standout features I love about this app is its discussion forum, which makes it easy to have meaningful conversations on various topics. It also has a gradebook function that simplifies grading and lets me track my progress throughout the course.

Cons

At times the platform experiences sluggishness and technical glitches affecting the user experience.

“Easy to use and userfriendly platform

Pros

Blackboard Learn makes online learning manageable with its key features offering an impressive virtual classroom and robust assignmenttest tools.

Cons

Occasionally the platform experiences slow loading times or lags when many students simultaneously access it for activities like tests or group work.

“Used as a Student

Pros

All of my online college courses were hosted on Blackboard streamlining access to assessments and feedback from various courses.

Cons

Using the back button during a quiz sometimes inadvertently ended the quiz.

“The learning management system you have been looking for

Pros

Blackboard Learns 30day free trial was a valuable opportunity for our small organization offering a chance to explore the platform before committing to it.

Cons

Unfortunately the platform lacked support for the Tibetan language which our organization required.

“Very balanced LMS software

Pros

Blackboard Learn offers an enjoyable and effective learning experience with great slides for knowledge acquisition.

Cons

No significant issues were encountered during the usage of this exceptional software.

“A perfect LMS for remote learning

Pros

The adaptability and flexibility of Blackboard Learn for content creation is remarkable allowing easy addition editing or removal of information.

Cons

While additional assessment tools could be beneficial the existing ones are sufficient.

“Blackboard Learn The Leading LMS Platform for Higher Education

Pros

Blackboard Learn has been instrumental in supporting undergraduate and graduate university courses facilitating course management communication and evaluation.

Cons

Creating exams and assessments could be streamlined for greater flexibility and efficiency. Integration of MCQ grading and video editing tools would be valuable additions.

“Software that manages higher education

Pros

Blackboard Learn offers access to learning resources and simplifies tracking lecturer notes and online textbooks.

Cons

No specific dislikes were noted about Blackboard.

“Decent Tool for Teaching Remote Classes

Pros

Blackboard Learn enables easy student progress tracking and assignment management. Notifications for late submissions are beneficial.

Cons

The platform struggles with handling large file sizes potentially causing issues for students attempting to submit assignments.

“Blackboard learn

Pros

Blackboard Learn offers a practical and organized platform for students to access assessments and feedback from multiple courses in one place.

Cons

Improved intuitiveness in the interface and more studentoriented demonstrations could enhance the user experience.

“Great for Professors and Students

Pros

Blackboard is a convenient platform for navigating course materials assignments and grades promoting a wellorganized learning experience.

Cons

Emailing within Blackboard can occasionally be finicky leading some users to opt for direct email communication.

“After the pandemic Blackboard Learn became a staple for online education

Pros

Blackboard Learns neat organization of courses and accessible resources including calendars enhances the online learning experience.

Cons

Some instructors find it challenging to fully utilize the platforms features for effective course organization.

“Easy and flexible learning management system.

Pros

Blackboard Learn offers strong and responsive customer support services enhancing its overall usability.

Cons

It may be relatively expensive and a free version is not available.