Faculty Testimonials

"I began using UBLearns when I developed the online version of the Global Econ course MGE602. When the online program was cancelled I continued to use the material with my in class version of the course. In economics some principles change very slowly and thus I do not have to update such materials that often. The material included in my UBLearns version is designed to be self-contained, like the online course. It includes step by step animations of some very technical and tedious procedures. For example, what happens to major economic variables when the Federal Reserve purchases government securities as part of its open market operations? When presented in a textbook the many changes of the Federal Reserve purchases are usually grouped together on one or two diagrams and it takes a lot of patience to follow the series of events. On my UBlearns version the diagrams shift with the click of the mouse and each step is isolated. The inclusion of this UBLearns material in my in class course has been particularly welcomed by international students who have some problems with the speed of my presentations. Also some domestic students who have problems understanding specific topics have said that they appreciate the extra source of explanation. From my perspective it saves a lot of duplication in explaining during office hours, material that is explained in the UBLearns version of my course. "

~ Bill Hamlen
School of Management, Department of Finance & Managerial Economics

I have been using Blackboard as a course component for quite some time. As a course enhancement, rather than a substitute for traditional content delivery, Blackboard provides students with an opportunity to access and exchange information in a "virtual classroom". My courses utilize the elements/functions of Blackboard as
requirements/assignments that influence a student's final grade. Each course has its unique Blackboard site that is designed well in advance of the beginning of a semester. Throughout the semester, additional information is provided that links course content and concepts to examples of practical applications. My records indicate that students who properly use Blackboard perform at a higher level than those who only marginally integrate it into their coursework.

Conceptually, I view Blackboard as a learning tool and try to avoid integrating it as a vehicle of convenience for students.

~ Joseph F. Salamone
School of Management, Department of Organization and Human Resource Management

I like the fact that all of my course materials- handouts, PowerPoint presentations, announcements- can be found in one central location. This is a convenience for the students as well as for me.

~ Dr. Elaine L. Davis
School of Dental Medicine, Associate Professor, Oral Diagnostic Sciences
Associate Dean For Student Affairs

Today's dental students are innundated with information and most have outside responsibilities in addition to dental school. Placing all of my course material on UBLearns allows them access anywhere, anytime, as long as they have an internet connection. This flexibility is valuable in helping them to be efficient learners.

~Dr. Lynn Solomon
School of Dental Medicine, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences

Student Testimonials

The one thing that I have noticed in this school is how easy it is to obtain course materials online. Blackboard is a very well organized tool that helps students such as myself organize the subject. On Blackboard you could see your grade, print notes, send emails, or even find out info about your professor. The only problem I have is that not every professor uses this tool. I have had classes were the professor has his or her own web page. This makes it more confusing to obtain knowledge and tools. Blackboard should be in every major and in every classroom.

~ Undergraduate Student

I think Blackboard enhances the learning process. Personally I am an advocate for technology in the classroom. When used in conjunction to lecture the virtual classroom activities offers several benefits to the students as well as the professors. It allows students flexibility to do work when they feel like it. It offers professors insight on the individuality of their students and allows them to speak in an unconventional setting where many people feel uncomfortable (i.e. classroom). This medium also diversifies course content, it provides a new dynamic of learning and I feel that as this technology continues to advance it will be beneficial to everyone within the realm of academia.

~ School of Management Student

I think Blackboard is a useful component of any class. It provides a means for effective communication and collaboration. Sections such as announcements and discussion board are particularly useful in this respect. This is the first class in which posting to discussion boards was mandatory, but I find it interesting to hear what others have to say about the topics discussed. I also like the course documents section where professors may post notes, slides and assignments. I like to have notes that at least highlight the main topics of upcoming classes. I find that it allows me to focus more on the lecture without the fear of missing key information while frantically trying to write everything down. That usually produces an unorganized mess of mostly irrelevant information.

~ Undergraduate Student