Less than half of Ball State's faculty used the electronic Blackboard system last fall, according to University Computing Services.
The online system is designed for teachers to complete several tasks, such as posting or creating announcements, documents, discussion forums, chat rooms and digital drop boxes. Nancy Baker, coordinator for web support services, said Blackboard's official use began in the fall of 2001.
Baker said 41 percent of the faculty used Blackboard in their classrooms in the fall of 2003, a six-percent increase since the fall of 2002. Faculty members are
not required to learn how to use the program.
"We're constantly planning where we're going with technology," O'Neal Smitherman said. "We want to know how students feel about the technology on
campus."
Students can go to www.bsu.edu/uc/student to voice their concerns. Smitherman said the results from a faculty survey administered earlier this year will be available in the coming weeks.
Blackboard's licensing fee costs about $80,000 annually from student technology fees and state grants, O'Neal Smitherman said. Charles Jones, executive director of the office of teaching and learning advancement, teaches faculty how to use the program, which usually lasts no longer than two hours.
"One of the great advantages of Blackboard is that it's easy to use," Jones said. "I believe, in my heart of hearts, this is a program we need."
Jones said besides learning a new skill for teaching, faculty also earn an incentive on their teaching transcript that can be used for promotion and
tenure.
"We assign a numerical value to their professional development record," Jones said.
Students and faculty have mixed emotions about the glowing resource.
"I already have a system in place and I find it suitable for my needs," associate professor of mathematical sciences John Lorch said. "At least for the
classes I teach, I don't see a compelling reason in using it."
Graduate student Yong Jung said he preferred his professors not to use Blackboard.
"I prefer the papers because it's more concrete," Jung said. Jung also said by using tangible items in class, he can communicate with his teachers on a prompt and personal level.
Senior Brian Maddox said he's thankful for his teachers that use the electronic teaching tool.
"It makes (class) easier because you can get your notes offline," Maddox said. "You can follow along instead of writing them down. It helps you study."
Some faculty view Blackboard as a way of enhancing the students' overall education.
"I think my students' life is a lot better (because of Blackboard)," instructor of criminal justice and criminology Tim Garner said. "It's labor intensive for
me, but it saves time for the students."
Carol Shears, assistant professor of geography, said although she's used Blackboard in the past, she's discovered that it takes too much time to input all the information because each class has to be processed individually and uniquely.
"I do like the idea, but at the same time, at some point, it's time to go
home," Shears said.
Shears also said that some students choose not to attend class because they already have the information they need online or just lack the interest of using technology.
"We just assume that everyone uses technology," Shears said. "The biggest problem is getting students to log on."
Graduate student Danny Brown said he sees the pros and cons of using Blackboard.
"(Blackboard) is an improvement with communication but it takes away the personal aspect," Brown said. "I think it's great technology. However, to be effective, it would be better if all the faculty used it."
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