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Blackboard Learn VS Open LMS

Compare Blackboard Learn VS Open LMS and see what are their differences

Blackboard Learn logo Blackboard Learn

Blackboard provides enterprise technology and innovative solutions that enhance teaching and learning methods

Open LMS logo Open LMS

Blackboard Open LMSโ„ข is an open learning management system (LMS), which allows you to create, personalize and track instruction for students with simple online tools.
  • Blackboard Learn Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26
  • Open LMS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-22

Blackboard Learn features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Blackboard Learn features an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, which minimizes the learning curve for new users.
  • Comprehensive Tools
    The platform offers a wide range of educational tools and resources including quizzes, assignments, discussion boards, and multimedia support, enhancing the overall learning experience.
  • Mobile Accessibility
    The Blackboard Learn mobile app allows students and instructors to access course materials and interact with the platform on the go.
  • Robust Communication
    Integrated tools for announcements, messaging, and discussion forums facilitate effective communication between students and instructors.
  • Customization
    Instructors can customize the course layout and content to better fit their teaching style and the needs of their students.

Possible disadvantages of Blackboard Learn

  • Cost
    Blackboard Learn can be expensive for institutions, which may be a barrier for smaller schools or those with limited budgets.
  • Complex Setup
    Setting up and configuring the platform can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring specialized IT support.
  • Performance Issues
    Users have reported occasional performance issues such as slow loading times and downtime, which can disrupt the learning experience.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, mastering the more advanced features can be challenging for some users.
  • Limited Integrations
    Although Blackboard Learn supports various integrations, it may not seamlessly integrate with all third-party applications that an institution uses.

Open LMS features and specs

  • Customizability
    Open LMS is built on Moodle, which is highly customizable. Users can tailor the platform to fit their specific educational needs and integrate various plugins to enhance functionality.
  • Open Source Foundation
    Being based on an open-source platform like Moodle, Open LMS benefits from a large community of developers and educators who contribute to and improve the system continuously.
  • Scalability
    Open LMS is designed to handle institutions of various sizes, from small schools to large universities, allowing it to grow alongside educational organizations.
  • Comprehensive Features
    It offers a wide range of features including course management, learner tracking, and a variety of assessment tools that support diverse teaching and learning needs.
  • Cloud-Based
    As a cloud-based solution, Open LMS provides the flexibility and convenience of accessing the platform from any location with internet connectivity.

Possible disadvantages of Open LMS

  • Complexity
    Due to its extensive customizability and comprehensive feature set, Open LMS can be complex to set up and manage, potentially requiring substantial time and expertise.
  • Cost
    Although built on an open-source platform, Open LMS may involve costs related to hosting, support, and additional features which can add up for larger institutions.
  • Support Limitations
    While Open LMS provides support, it may not be as extensive or responsive as proprietary solutions, sometimes requiring users to rely on community forums for assistance.
  • Learning Curve
    Users might face a steep learning curve when beginning with Open LMS, especially if they are new to Moodle's interface and require training to use it effectively.
  • Performance Concerns
    Depending on server setup and scaling, there can be concerns about performance and speed, particularly during peak usage times or if not properly optimized.

Analysis of Blackboard Learn

Overall verdict

  • Blackboard Learn is generally considered a good option for educational institutions seeking a comprehensive and customizable LMS. However, some users may experience a learning curve due to its wide array of features, and others have reported that the interface can feel outdated compared to newer platforms. Overall, it remains a solid choice for those who need a reliable and scalable solution for managing educational content and facilitating online learning.

Why this product is good

  • Blackboard Learn, now part of Anthology, is a widely used Learning Management System (LMS) that offers robust tools for educators and students. It provides features such as content management, assessment tools, communication aids, and real-time feedback, which enhance the teaching and learning experience. The platform is also highly customizable, allowing institutions to tailor it to their specific needs. Furthermore, Blackboard Learn integrates with various third-party applications, offering flexibility and extending its functionality.

Recommended for

    Blackboard Learn is recommended for institutions and educators looking for a robust and flexible LMS solution. It suits universities and colleges that require extensive functionality and customizability, and it can also benefit corporate training environments. It is ideal for users who require a well-supported platform capable of managing large volumes of users and content.

Blackboard Learn videos

Blackboard Learn Review: Hard to use software that is also very expensive!

More videos:

  • Review - Blackboard Learn Review: Blackboard Review
  • Review - Blackboard Learn Review: using blackboard makes my day worse

Open LMS videos

Introduction to BlackBoard Open LMS

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Blackboard Learn and Open LMS)
Education
80 80%
20% 20
LMS
76 76%
24% 24
Online Learning
77 77%
23% 23
HR
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Blackboard Learn and Open LMS

Blackboard Learn Reviews

10 Best Google Classroom Alternatives: Which Should You Choose?
If you want to opt for a tried and true Google Classroom alternative, Blackboard Learn is the way to go. This learning management system largely caters to higher education. Although, the company has been gearing its services toward business and government entities as well. Consequently, Blackboard has added a new LMS version called โ€œLearn Ultra.โ€ Whatโ€™s more, is that Learn...
Top 15 educational software to streamline the learning process
Blackboard Learn has course development and management capabilities, discussion forums, online assessments, grade tracking, and connected education spaces. Some of its upsides include supporting asynchronous learning for flexibility and accessibility, streamlining administrative processes, and enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.
The 10 Best Moodle Alternatives & Competitors (Updated for 2024)
Blackboard Learn facilitates collaboration through features like announcements, instant messaging tools, and discussion boards. These help learners better communicate with instructors and collaborate with peers.
Source: www.docebo.com

Open LMS Reviews

10 Best Moodle Alternatives in 2024
Open LMS is a good option for companies on a budget. It is based on Moodle, but there are value-added features that do cost money. Overall itโ€™s a solid option with offerings for both enterprise and education.
Source: cloudassess.com

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Blackboard Learn and Open LMS, you can also consider the following products

Canvas LMS - Canvas is the trusted, open-source learning management system (LMS) that's revolutionizing the way we educate. Take Canvas for a test drive with our free, two-week trial account. Sign up now! Call 800-203-6755.

Talent LMS - A super-easy, cloud LMS to train your employees, partners, customers or students.

Kahoot! - Kahoot! makes it easy to create, play and share fun learning games in minutesโ€”for any subject, in any language, on any device.

Litmos LMS - Most User-Friendly Learning Management System (LMS) in the World

schoology - An online learning, classroom management & social networking platform that provides educators & students w/ more effective, efficient & engaging ways to learn.

McGraw-Hill Connect - McGraw-Hill Connect is a web-based assessment and assignment platform that allows students to complete their tasks comprehensively in no time.