Blackboard Launches New Approach to K-12 Communications

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackboard has unveiled a comprehensive mobile communications solution that gives K-12 schools and districts a different and more unified approach to community engagement, the company announced today. K-12 Central^™ brings together Web site data, mass notification technology, and third party feeds into a single mobile app to create a more effective culture of communication.

Through a beautifully designed, custom-branded app, K-12 Central gives parents access to school, district and student information, such as lunch menus, attendance reports, and homework assignments, all within a central hub, eliminating the need for multiple communication touch points. Information and updates usually found on a district's Web site, through social media, or received through teacher and administrator handouts, emails, or calls can all be accessed and made available in a single app across multiple devices.

"We are dedicated to providing K-12 communities with solutions they need in ways that work for them," said Mark Strassman, senior vice president of product management for Blackboard. "With over 77 percent of K-12 parents using smartphones and spending 89 percent of their time on these devices using mobile apps, any communications strategy has to start with mobile. With so many touch points between parents, schools and districts, it just makes sense to create a central place where all information can be accessed and all communications can seamlessly happen."

This announcement marks the latest step in Blackboard's efforts to integrate its industry-leading products into complete solutions that uniquely address the critical needs of its core markets. By integrating Edline^™ and Blackboard Connect^™, two of the most widely used K-12 Web and mass notification communications systems, within one mobile app, districts are able to reach families and students in a consistent and comprehensive way.

"Today's parents and students want to communicate with us in ways that mirror the rest of their lives," said Zac Rantz, chief communications officer for Nixa Public Schools. "If we meet them where they already are, they will be more apt to stay involved and engaged. Blackboard's forward-thinking vision to help us take a 'mobile-first' approach to communications has benefited our district, and, with the combination of products and services, this vision has become a reality."  

Available in apps for iOS^® and Android^™ devices, K-12 Central allows end-users to customize newsfeeds with information that is most relevant to them, such as calendars, schedules, lunch menus, attendance reports, events, athletic schedules, and more. Users are also able to instantly receive push notifications from their district and schools and access class content, assignments and grades within the mobile app.

For more information about Blackboard, please visit www.blackboard.com or follow @Blackboard on Twitter.  

About Blackboard Inc. 
Blackboard is the world's leading education technology company that is reimagining education by challenging conventional thinking and advancing new learning models. We rapidly deploy relevant and meaningful technologies and services to meet the needs of the modern day learner and the institutions that serve them, driving success and growth for both. In partnership with higher education, K-12, corporate organizations, and government agencies around the world, we help every learner achieve their full potential. For more information about Blackboard follow us on Twitter at @Blackboard.

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Blackboard represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release. Actual results may differ materially as a result of various important factors. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause the Company's views to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

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CONTACT
Lauren Dyke, Blackboard Inc.
(202) 463-4860 ext. 2860 or [email protected]  

SOURCE Blackboard