Dive Brief:
- Blackboard kicked off its annual user conference, BbWorld 2014, with two major announcements: New teaching and learning solutions that combine its products for added value, and the launch of a software-as-a-service (SaaS) version of its learning environment.
- The base version of the new learning solutions include the Blackboard online environment, collaboration tools, mobiles apps, and access to adoption services, but is customizable dependent on needs beyond that.
- With the SaaS environment, Blackboard says it now has the most flexible and comprehensive deployment options available from any company thus far.
Dive Insight:
With these announcements, Blackboard recognizes the differences between various institutions and is indicating a desire to provide them something other than a "one size fits all" solution. While the overall trend right now does seem to be providing all-in-one solutions (at the K-12 level, as well), it's also wise to acknowledge that the ability to customize a platform to meet an institution's needs is critical for many administrators, as well.