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Blackboard: a word that triggers a range of responses. At Grand View University, it’s about a 50/50 chance that word either has value or close to none.

Blackboard is an online system provided for students that contains homework, notes, class schedules, syllabus expectations and most importantly, grades. According to students at Grand View, there are many mixed feelings and opinions about Blackboard. About 30 percent of the students said that they never check Blackboard because they don’t trust the online system. About 20 percent of students said they only use blackboard when they have to, and around 50 percent said they do prefer to use Blackboard because everything they need is on there.

Nick Johnson, a junior at Grand View University, said that he does not prefer to use Blackboard because it’s internet dependant, which means it brings up issues that wouldn’t exist with paper handouts.

“You can’t have any problems with the student losing the paper. That’s his or her fault,” Johnson said.

Blackboard tends to shut down frequently, but students are usually warned about this in advance. Having no source of internet could be an issue for many students.

But Blackboard does have a whole website (http://www.grandviewcetl.org/tag/blackboard/) dedicated to Grand View University on how to use it efficiently. The website even offers training sessions and contact information for any unanswered questions.

“I use blackboard in all my classes to post course handouts, lecture notes, links to videos, and other information, as well as grades,” Kim Smith, Communication professor, said. “I post student grades as soon as I grade their assignments. I like Blackboard because students have access to any handouts and lecture notes when they miss class. A drawback is the Grade Center is not flexible as I would like.”

Many students have expressed frustrations with slow feedback from teachers or no feedback at all. This problem occurs because teachers have problems with the grading system that Blackboard provides.

“I hate the grading system; that’s what the syllabus is for,” Lecaque said. “I’d rather have students calculate their grades themselves, or even better, come talk to me in person.”

While some students disagree with the concept of Blackboard, there are some students who find it useful.

Pedro Gomez, a student at Grand View University said, “ I like Blackboard because it keeps me organized. All of my homework is there and I can always rely on Blackboard, as long as the internet is working.”

Blackboard can be a useful tool for students and teachers.  There are many different opinions and ways to use the system, but everyone uses it at some point in their education career at Grand View University whether they like it or not.