Blackboard learning includes an online grade book. Professors simply update students' grades each time a new quiz, test, or assignment is graded, and tallied scores are made available to students. This feature allows students to keep tabs on exactly where they are throughout semester, and teacher saves time from having to answer questions about what students got on homework assignments. The grade book also allows students and professors to double check their records to ensure proper grade for each assignment is recorded.

Between classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and road trips, students can't always find a time to meet on campus and study or work on group projects. Online forums, discussion groups, and chat rooms add a humanistic touch to Blackboard learning. Students make post questions they have about different assignments or concepts, and other students or professor can respond. Professors may lead out-of-class discussions online to help round out lectures given during class time.

If you were to turn in a handwritten financial report or used a hand drawn graph in a sales pitch, you very likely would not receive same response as if you had typed report or designed graphic with a computer. Whether we like it or not (personally, I like it!) technology is not only here to stay but it is fully integrated into nearly everything we do - and education is no different. Papers are typed. Research is done online. PowerPoint has replaced overhead projectors.

Students and teachers have to take advantage of technological advances in order to stay afloat in information age. Blackboard Learning is a resource that helps students stay organized and succeed.

The Syllabus

Distance learning programs are carefully thought out, and explanations to what student is required to absorb are clearly laid out in these highly efficient course materials, thus giving student ability to check back and look forward if there is a question about material. The materials are also there for student to refer to when they are completing their coursework which would be case in any working environment, and this mimicking gives student practise they need later on when in a working environment, and shows them importance of knowing how to sift through information to get answers they need.

The Asynchronous Method

Most distance learning is occurring asynchronously (at different times) which is opposite of norm as most institutions offer synchronous (teaching and learning being done at same time), but method has quickly caught on, bringing people to education that never thought they would be able to better themselves or their portfolios. Because of care that is put into compiling of these courses, even some schools that offer synchronous method of teaching have opted for these materials to teach from instead of using old text book method.

With modern desire and requirement to continue education, and competitiveness of modern workplace distance learning programs of worlds best Colleges and Universities will continue to grow and be demanded. The message that should be taught in a global society is to clearly not miss educational boat.