Comments on: When Users Complain: Blackboard

By: ez

ez — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:17:13 +0000

You might want to check out: http://www.blackboard.com/Teaching-Learning/Learn-Resources/Accessibility.aspx

By: Heather

Heather — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:09:29 +0000

It’s always good to see a company accepting and responding to user feedback. User focus groups are, of course, just an indicator – actual user testing will provide the data needed to make informed adjustments to a product.

@James: You illustrate a great example of a disconnect between the WebCT design and its users, i.e. “You have to look… from a role perspective”. Evidently, the users expectations of possible actions are not being met by the disjointed “roles” imposed by the design — this implies a need to revisit the design with an eye towards bringing it better into line with the common usage scenarios. Don’t blame the user!

By: John

John — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:03:37 +0000

Having played with Blackboard 9 for some time I think they have finally gotten it. I suggest going to their support website and getting a preview account. I also note that at this year’s conference there were both student and faculty focus groups.

By: Anne McLaughlin

Anne McLaughlin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:58:21 +0000

“Finally” redacted. Thanks for the comment, James!

By: James

James — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:47:18 +0000

A couple of things.

1) This isn’t the first listening session they’ve ever had so you’re “finally” comment is a bit off. Last years was much more heated and the year before was a disaster!
2) You have to look at the legacy WebCT system (which is what you’re using) from a role perspective. You’re enrolled as a Designer and Instructor which is why you have access to the Build and Teach tab. For some users the instructor isn’t always the designer and vice-versa.

By: Nadeem Shabir

Nadeem Shabir — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:41:22 +0000

interesting piece on usability, ‘When users complain: Blackboard’ http://is.gd/1Cck5,