BbWorld '09 Discussion Group > Blog

beginning thoughts

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:26:25 +0000

I am sitting on the plane composing what will be my first blog post at BB World 09. I am wondering what the announcement will be at the keynote Tuesday morning. There was some speculation on Twitter earlier Monday as to what the news will be.

How can anything be bigger than the announcement earlier this year of the Angel Blackboard merger?

I am reflecting this year on how long I have been coming to LMS system conferences and how many transitions I have been through. Starting in 1998 I first worked on a homegrown LMS called Speakeasy Studio and Café. I have been through the end of two different homegrown LMS systems, a transition from WebCT 4 to WebCT6, the WebCT Blackboard merger and moving to Blackboard CE8. This year brought additional change learning about Blackboard Learn 9, then Moodle and at the same time a move from Blackboard to Angel with both in production now. Given this change I feel I am becoming expert in LMS transition and in retraining faculty and technical staff to adjust to change in the LMS world.

I am excited to see this year how other schools are handling the transition to Blackboard Learn 9. I will be interested as well as how schools that have both Angel and Blackboard will proceed in the next year. I am looking forward to a great conference.

Create an Executive Summary on your Bb World09 experience (2 Comments)

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:32:31 +0000

Blog Post by Kevin Reeve

I was the only one from my Institution that was able to attend BbWorld this year. Since I report to the Vice President of Information Technology I decided today to create an Executive Summary regarding the Blackboard World 09 users conference, what I learned from the various sessions, keynotes, and visiting with other users. I geared this towards things that would pertain to our Institution and how it relates. I also shared it with the Associate Vice Presidents and also the Instructional Services Staff who work with the Blackboard LMS and faculty on a daily basis.

I highlighted:

Announcements of features, partnerships, open standards, MobilEDU, opening up the database and more. Since we use the Bb Transaction system along with the Connect Ed mass notification system and the LMS, I put things into perspective with that in mind. I also shared what other institutions are doing and the success and challenges they were facing.

Since you may have been one of a few who were able to attend Bb World this year, consider creating a similar document, and share it with your supervisors and colleagues. It may help to show how valuable your attendance at the conference was, and provide them with valuable information they can use to move things forward.

What do you mean, when you say that? (1 Comment)

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:58:54 +0000

Blog Post by David Gray

Main post

Spurred on from a comment in the BbWorld session "Taming the Internal Documentation Monster", I'd like to suggest the Bb community maintain a living document (think wiki) defining all the terms, abbreviations, and other lexicon used in our daily lives.

The fact of the matter is, when new folks become users of Blackboard, there is a lot of shared and assumed culture they're expected to assimilate, but nowhere to actually find it out other than via the "osmosis of conversation" that goes on at places like BbWorld. Heck, here there is confusion, even over the actual names of Blackboard products.

For example, I was actually asked "is it 'Connect-ED' or 'Blackboard Connect'", and I actually had to ask the folks who work in that section of Blackboard to feel sure. (In fact they say to refer to that product as "Blackboard Connect for Higher Ed" or "Blackboard Connect for K-12", etc.) Anyone who was a Blackboard client back when they released version 5 can surely recall all the confusion of "Level 1" or "Level 3", right?

Eventually this could become a boon for every institution, having a documented lexicon that could be referred to... (likely this sort of concept comes naturally to all you "Open Source" people, but that isn't my own background.) I think it could be useful to be sure that you mean what I think you mean... know what I mean?

summary of keynote (1 Comment)

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:41:25 +0000

Blog Post by Peg Collins

Summary of basics of keynote:
Seth Godin is the substitute speaker for Sir Ken who was taken ill. He says people in this room on cutting edge and making a difference. Talking about Ideas about how education is today and where it wants to go.

He is talking about those that lead a tribe. Talking about Henry Ford building a system that told people how to do things over and over again. Schools train folks to be consumers, aka organized brainwashing.

Marketplace is demanding higher education step up to something different. Compliance does not work to create value. Asking who is going to lead us in education.

Argues tribal behavior is the tool to change education. Tribes are formed because we want to be with other people like us. We like to be insiders and being connected.

How do I create a tribe of people that want to see change? He says he wants to sell us on being a lead. Decide to lead, that is how you start a tribe.

You cannot manage your way to make this work. Does not work well with tenured professors. What works is the network. You cannot buy folks attention.

Making change is now called tribal leadership. He says we are the first generation of positive deviants. This is one that goes to the edge and figures out how to do something different. Who are the positive deviants in your institution? How do you give them a platform? You do not need to convert everyone, just start with a few fans who care so much that they will spread the word.

The opportunity is to lead a tribe. We are waiting for someone to show up and lead us. Every successful tribe has been run by a heretic who is someone willing to stand up and do something different.

The risk is you will try to promote change but not enough. Every institution needs someone willing to lead change and not follow the rules.
Marketing equals leadership says Godin.

Challenge- challenge people
Change- change the culture
Curiosity – about new things
Charisma – leading gets you charisma
Communicate – communicate to the side
Connect – want to matter and be missed if you do not show up

Godin’s last word is 4v2 if you do it to people you fail, if you do it for people it works.

Seth Godin: BbWorld 2009 Keynote 1

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:22:31 +0000

Blog Post by Sahar Javadi

Seth Godin argues that what you do for a living is Making Change. Before your job: technology was old, e-Learning was non-existent, servers were antiquated. You got there: you updated things, you created a tribe of people focused on e-Learning, you got new technology necessary to make things run.

Movements don't start with everyone, they start with the committed and then they grow. Godin is pretty entertaining because he states a lot of 'movements' of tribes. Examples include: Twitter followers, Weightlifters who all work out in the garage, Hari Krishnas, triatheletes (who don't even like to swim, they just want to be part of a group!), Roller Derby Women, Deadheads (Grateful Dead followers), people who are wearing uniforms or hats so they can see who else is an insider. . . we're even doing the same thing here at BbWorld here with the ribbons. Which tribe are you in? Vista SWAT? The BIE? Are you in a user group? You even got a ribbon for taking part of the volunteer activity yesterday!

You don't need to convert everyone. You just need to have 1000 true fans. Like the Deadheads, let those Deadheads spread the word.

We are the first generation of Positive Deviants. Positive Deviant is someone without instruction figures out how to do something a little better. Example: villages in Vietnam and nutrition had to be improved. The people who came and watched these villages noticed the 1 or 2 families who were healthy. These watchers then found these people and put them on a soapbox and amplified them, so everyone else could learn from them. Then everyone else who is malnourished can learn the 'positive deviant' behavior and learn from that person who is held up to the rest.

A little background on Seth: Godin is author of ten books that have been bestsellers around the world and changed the way people think about marketing, change and work. His books have been translated into more than 20 languages, and his ebooks are among the most popular ever published. He is responsible for many words in the marketer's vocabulary, including permission marketing, ideaviruses, purple cows, the dip and sneezers. His irrepressible speaking style and no-holds-barred blog have helped him create a large following around the world. Seth's latest book, Tribes, is a nationwide bestseller, appearing on the Amazon, New York Times, BusinessWeek and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. It's about the most powerful form of marketing--leadership--and how anyone can now become a leader, creating movements that matter.

Check out Project ASTRO at Bb World

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 03:31:36 +0000

Blog Post by Kevin Reeve

Eric Kunnen and Santo Nucifora have created an incredible building block for Blackboard that gives you the tools you need to evaluate the use of your blackboard system, tools, and users. I saw a sneak peak of it today at the BIE steering committee meeting. Incredible. You should check it out at their session on Wednesday morning 9:30 AM in Harbor 4/5.

I have seen lots of requests on the list serves for such a tool. They have built it, so check it out.

BbWorld'09 Begins!

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:57:45 +0000

Blog Post by Eric Kunnen

Image

Main post

BbWorld'09 begins for me today with a BIE meeting in the afternoon... and the conference is already day #2 for many of the preconference session presenters and participants.

It's great weather here in DC and the conference facilities are very nice. I've already ran into many of my friends and contacts and it's great to see all of the enthusiasm and excitement.

For those of you unable to make it, several of us are doing what we can to share and capture our experiences here at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center.

Be sure to stay tuned for podcasts, tweets, blogs, etc.

Here are a just a few of the sites with updates:

Twitter Updates via #bbworld09
BbWorld '09 Discussion Group via Connections
Bb's Blog via blackboard.com
Bb Connections via Connections

And finally if you are around this evening... join in on the volunteer event in which Blackboard has committed to donate $10,000 to support the Greater DC Cares’s ongoing educational efforts in DC public schools.

See you at the conference... either face to face or virtually!

Gearing up for BbWorld!

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:28:58 +0000

Blog Post by Tova Duby

As I get ready to take off for Bb World 09 I am very excited! Already this year seems to be much more focused on online learning best practices, effective collaboration, excellent teaching and learning experiences and curriculum innovation - not just tools (not just Bb!, no offense Bb!). There are so many opportunities in front of us to network, share and collaborate - which is so fantastic as we continue to build and strengthen our community. I am fortunate this year to be traveling with colleagues from instructional design, project management, course production, development and system administration. Knowing that this mix of expertise areas will be soaking in the 'stuff' at BbWorld09, means that we will be experiencing everything we can from all sides. I can’t wait to connect with colleagues I have seen and meet new faces too! See you tomorrow in DC!

Tips for a BbWorld First-timer (1 Comment)

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:26:35 +0000

Blog Post by Jan Day

Main post

Newbie. Freshman. First-timer. Whatever the name for it, there is always a first time for everyone and everything. Are you a first-time BbWorld attendee? Are you wondering how best to take advantage of all the resources and opportunitites at BbWorld? How can you make the most of it?

Here are 10 tips for first-time BbWorld attendees:

1) Plan your schedule

There are usually more than 15 sessions in four concurrent tracks, so take time before you leave home to plan your schedule. This is especially effective for institutions sending a small team. Review the schedule of activities together and then "divide and conquer" to maximize the number and types of sessions your team attends. To help plan your schedule ahead of time use the BbWorld'09 online scheduler.

2) Bring a list

Bring a list of things you need answers for, information about and people you want to meet. The list will help you stay focused in the midst of what can be an overwhelming event because there are so many sessions, activities and events that will compete for your time.

3) Wear your conference badge and bring business cards

Be sure to wear your badge so others can read who you are and where you're from. It seems obvious but you would be surprised at how often one's badge is hidden or facing the wrong way. Bring your business cards so that you can share your contact information with the people you meet.

4) Attend a user group meeting

This year there are several user groups meeting during the conference. User groups are fabulous communities to tap into, join and contribute to year round. There are many different user groups and if you don't find one right for you, consider starting a new one! Email us at communities@blackboard.com for more information or visit connections.blackboard.com to find out more.

5) Join the BbWorld '09 Facebook Group

Find out who is coming to BbWorld '09 and get to know them better through the BbWorld'09 Facebook Group. Create an account on Facebook and join this fun group.

6) Follow the conference on Twitter (#BbWorld09)

As handy as it would be, you can't be in two places (or more) at once. Follow along with the events of the conference as people tweet about it using our hashtag #BbWorld09.

7) Explore the exhibit hall & Networking Lounges

Visit with the conference sponsors to learn about new technologies and trends, see demonstrations of new products, and connect with other attendees who are exploring solutions that compliment and extend Blackboard software. Stop and rest a while in the Networking Lounges scattered throughout the exhibit hall to give you time to put your feet up and chat with colleagues and friends.

8) Visit the Blackboard booth

Come say hello! Meet the Blackboard team and talk to the Doctors C. Get answers to your questions and see demos of new tools, including Blackboard Learn Release 9, Blackboard's iPhone integration and more.

9) Attend the Blackboard keynote address

Once a year we reveal our vision for the Blackboard product roadmap. That moment is the Blackboard keynote address at BbWorld. You'll learn about the community's accomplishments from the past year, hear about our focus for the coming year, and see a demonstration of products and features that we are working on. It is a session not to be missed.

10) Have fun

Last but not least, to get the most out of BbWorld '09, you should also have some fun. Relax and enjoy the new connections and friends you make at the various evening activities and the Client Appreciation Party.

Link

BbWorld'09 Website

BbWorld Meet Up

Wed, 13 May 2009 15:55:31 +0000

Blog Post by Kerry Jo Richards

Main post

One of the things we've heard from clients is that you'd like more time to meet with each other - networking, birds of a feather, informal and formal meeting times.

So we're trying something new this year! BbWorld Meet-Up!

More after the jump.....

What is it?
What is the BbWorld Meet-Up? It's open period for you and your colleagues to have meetings, birds of a feather sessions, or anything else you'd like to do! The Meet-Up will be on Wednesday, July 15 at 2:15pm - immediately following lunch.

How will it work? How can I participate?
There are lots of ways you can participate in the Meet-Up!

Option 1) Use Connections to get a group together! Want to get a group together to discuss Twitter? Post a thread to the Connections Discussion Board for BbWorld, and make sure it contains the words "Meet-Up" - for instance "Meet-Up for Twitter Users." Once you have some folks who are interested, choose a Meet-Up Spot at the event (see "where is it" below)!

Option 2) At the event, if you find yourself talking to folks about a particular topic and want to have a meet-up, head over to the Meet-Up Bulletin Board near Registration and post a notice! Others will be able to see it and join your meet-up.

Option 3) Got a colleague you'd like to schedule a meeting with? Use the Meet-Up time for it! No need for something formal - meet them at the information desk in front of the Blackboard booth and find a nook to meet in.

Option 4) Not sure yet what you want to talk about? At the event, check out the "Meet-up" board and sign-up for something that interests you!

Option 5) Birds of a Feather! There will be several Birds of a Feather meetings during that time. Want to contribute your ideas? Check out the BbWorld Birds of a Feather thread on Connections and post your reply!

Where is it?
Everywhere at BbWorld! Anywhere at BbWorld! There will be a list of informal meeting spaces posted to Connections shortly. Then you'll be able to sign-up for a meeting spot (e.g., Potomac 5, for a large group; The potted plant on the first floor, outside of Chesapeake 3 for a few of you). At the event, you'll be able to sign up for a space on our "Meet-Up" board as well! Or you can just grab a table in the exhibit hall and have an impromptu discussion with someone!

So keep an eye on this space as more information becomes available - and in the meantime, start a discussion thread for your own meet-up! And give me your ideas...this is your time!