Content

1. To put unlimited additional resources in the hands of students
2. To post course syllabus for easy access
3. To add content and learning objects
4. To link to library resources and databases
5. To post daily news, quotes, words, trivia, etc.
6. To publish classroom notes or study guides
7. To provide supplementary reading material
8. To create a virtual art gallery
9. To post movie clips
10. To post audio lectures
11. To provide links to useful websites
12. To allow students to read or listen to material repeatedly for understanding
13. To provide students who must miss class with easy access to materials
14. To include a glossary of course terminology

Communication

1. To enhance student-to-student communication
2. To enhance faculty-to-student contact
3. To distribute email messages to students
4. To encourage out of class discussion via discussion boards or chat rooms
5. To provide online homework help (virtual office hours)
6. To encourage collaborative learning
7. To connect students with community leaders and outside experts
8. To get 100% participation in class discussions
9. To reach “shy” students and allow them to express their thoughts
10. To provide opportunities for learning communities
11. To share community events
12. To set up groups for classes (large or small)
13. To send specific emails to a subset (group) of students
14. To facilitate group projects by allowing students to discuss particular topics or exchange certain files
15. To remind students of important deadlines
16. To share student ideas and projects
17. To develop a mentoring system
18. To collect student quotes
19. To help students find study partners
20. To assist in creating connections and inclusion
21. To communicate expectations and objectives
22. To provide advance organization for in-class discussion

Assessment

1. To allow students to monitor their own progress
2. To post assignments and allow students to submit work digitally
3. To assess student progress with just-in-time methods
4. To record, display, calculate, and analyze student scores
5. To publish student writing
6. To conduct student surveys for quick feedback
7. To provide self-help or self-improvement quizzes
8. To create drill and practice exercises
9. To post extra credit work
10. To post answers
11. To give students immediate feedback on quizzes and assignments
12. To keep students apprised of “how they are doing”
13. To facilitate test review
14. To measure student access to course materials and tools
15. To develop formative and summative assessments
16. To provide interactive activities
17. To gauge student understanding and interests
18. To eliminate time consuming exam grading
19. To encourage reflective thinking
20. To organize student papers electronically
21. To promote peer editing for review and suggestions
22. To gather suggestions from students for course improvements

Other

1. To time control access to information by students
2. To copy things from one place to another (within the same course or between courses)
3. To provide continuous access to a student roster
4. To reduce printing and copying costs
5. To provide more time for classroom instruction and activities
6. To encourage students to read their textbook
7. To help students come to class prepared
8. To put an end to the “lost papers” excuse
9. To engage students with different learning styles
10. To provide consistency in course structure
11. To improve retention of course material
12. To engage students outside of class
13. To allow students to review lecture before or after class
14. To meet student expectations
15. To integrate technology into curriculum
16. To provide 24x7 access to course materials—anytime, anywhere
17. To make teaching and learning fun!

* Compiled by the Blackboard Intstructional Designer Listserv (BB-ID)