Should universities ditch Blackboard in favor of WordPress (or other Web 2.0 tools)? In Part I, I argued against such a move. After watching the interview below I may have changed my mind. Well, not exactly, but I do believe faculty should consider a blended approach where they integrate real-world (still-living-after-the-term-is-over) tools with their university’s LMS.
In the video clip below, Jim Groom explains why he recommends the use of WordPress over Blackboard. From the interview, it is clear that he understands the important role an LMS plays. However, he doesn’t believe a vendor like Blackboard can keep up with constantly changing web. He definitely has a point. I often find myself reaching for tools like Wetpaint rather than using group features within Blackboard or even the LearningObjects wiki (a Bb Building Block). I do this because the tools are more robust and students can use the tools after the term ends.
LMS vendors would be wise to focus on better ways to integrate third party tools such as WordPress and Wetpaint.
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