Masconomet Regional School District Selects Blackboard after Major Evaluation of Leading LMSs

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a two-year-long evaluation of six of the industry's leading learning management systems (LMS), Masconomet Regional School District has selected Blackboard Learn^™ as part of its strategy to implement a 21st-century learning environment for staff and students. In the evaluation, one of the most comprehensive in the industry, Blackboard Learn was the only platform to meet every criterion the Massachusetts district identified as a desired quality in an LMS.

District officials found the student tracking, analytics, mobile functionality and adaptive release capabilities within Blackboard Learn to be the strongest in helping teachers foster collaborative engagements and tailor materials and assessments to different learning styles. Student calendars that update automatically when assignments are added or due dates are changed will help streamline workflows, and the platform will also help align activities and learning resources to Common Core standards.

Masconomet's IT staff will be able to leverage Blackboard's 24/7 support team to download software, obtain reference materials and receive management assistance, allowing their team to dedicate more time and resources to other teaching and learning initiatives.

"It may sound funny, but Blackboard Learn will help us take technology out of the way of teaching and learning," said Susan Givens, chief financial officer at Masconomet Regional School District. "Tools like the content repository will allow teachers who aren't yet comfortable with technology, to deliver personalized curriculums at the same level as those who are digital natives."

"Blackboard has been perfecting content and curriculum delivery longer than any other LMS provider in K-12 and higher education, and that experience shows in their latest design, features and services," continued Givens. "We are excited to work with a partner that will help us empower our teachers with the tools they need to optimize the learning experience for students and foster hands-on, personalized learning opportunities."

To supplement a pilot one-to-one mobile initiative, district officials will also give students the option of downloading a custom-built mobile application that allows them to access course content on a variety of mobile devices. With Blackboard Mobile Learn^™ students can view grades and assignments, create discussion posts and comment on blogs and journals, upload content and view documents, view course rosters and more.

For more information about Blackboard Learn, please visit http://www.blackboard.com/Platforms/Learn/Overview.aspx.

About Blackboard Inc.

Blackboard Inc. is a global leader in enterprise technology and innovative solutions that improve the experience of millions of students and learners around the world every day. Blackboard's solutions allow thousands of higher education, K-12, professional, corporate, and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities. Founded in 1997, Blackboard is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

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.

CONTACT
Matthew Maurer, Blackboard Inc.
(202) 463-4860 ext. 2637 or matthew.maurer@blackboard.com

SOURCE Blackboard Inc.