EduGeek Journal

Are you tired of the way LMS programs are going?We’ve formed a group at FaceBook to air gripes and discuss ideas for something new -  a continuation of our series on a new vision for Learning Management Systems.  Join the group and add to our discussion – you can find it here: FaceBook Group for [...]

I guess it was inevitable. As much negative press as Blackboard garnered over recent legal actions (in addition to the negative experiences some of their customers are always complaining about), they had to do something abut it.  I can see the board meeting now: “We’re taking a beating over this lawsuit. What can we do [...]

In general, I would say that I believe in equal standards.  Treat all people as equals.  That works best when you are talking people.  When it comes to corporations, there is a lot of room for differing standards. Of course, I am not talking about regulations – all companies should follow all that apply.  When [...]

For my day job last week, I was part of a meeting with a Blackboard rep.  He was a nice guy, but still a salesperson.  A good salesperson at that.  I know there are good sales people out there, but beyond the good ones that I have met, I find the rest of them tiring.  [...]

Oh, BlackBoard. I really do try to give you a fair break. You just make it so hard not to. Recently I linked to some videos that highlight the new changes coming in BlackBoard NG: http://www.blackboard.com/projectng/ Chapter 2: User Interface… Something about that looks familiar. What is it… [stares off blankly at my iGoogle page] [...]

If you haven’t seen this yet, here are some videos of what is brewing at Blackboard Project NG (Next Generation): http://www.blackboard.com/projectng/ One thing that I find funny: they are really hyping how you can have one account that lets you log in as a teacher or a student for different classes. They still think they [...]

Courtesy of Metamedia and Pete – the Adventures of Bollywood Blackboard-wala: Ep. 1 Paying The Annual Licensing Fee Ep. 2 Dealing with Customers Looking at the Open Source Alternative Ep. 3 Dealing with the Patent Invalidation Ruling Ep. 4 Confronting the Open Source Challenge Ep. 5 Live from Blackboardwala World 2008 Ep. 6 Dealing with [...]

To be honest with you, I hate picking on Blackboard. I really do. They just make it so easy. Campus Technology published an interview with Blackboard’s Chief Legal Officer Matthew Small. I’ll just quote the article – no need to embellish what was said – it’s funny enough. “this was in a very sophisticated patent [...]

I’m getting this ominous feeling right about now. Dark clouds are gathering. Crazy things are happening. Is this a sign of the beginning of the end? How bad can this Blackboard patent get? Campus Technology published as insightful article yesterday called “Desire2Learn CEO Makes Case Against Blackboard Patent, Court Ruling.” I’m glad to finally get [...]

Of course, this is no big surprise. And it really means nothing. The Lawsuit was filed in Lufkin, TX – a known rocket docket circuit that almost always finds in favor of the patent holder. No matter how insanely wrong the patent is. Which really means absolutely nothing, unless you are Desire2Learn or the next [...]