ETEC 522 – May 2012

Blackboard

BIO

Michael L. Chasen at the age of 39 is the co-founder and CEO for Blackboard Inc. As a graduate from Georgetown University with a MBA and an undergraduate degree in computer science from America University Michael Chasen began his early career as a higher education practice member at KPMG Consulting, his expertise was in management of fast growth companies for Internet software (“Blackboard,” 2012).  Due to his passion in using technology to enhance education this had lead him to his success with Blackboard. He was one of the founders of Blackboard in 1997, bringing the skills set of business development and internet engineering to Blackboard (“Blackboard,” 2012). He was responsible for the day-to-day business, development and implementation of Blackboard’s business strategy along with their mission/vision. In 2006, Chasen was recognized on SmartCEO magazine as the CEO of the Year (“Blackboard,” 2012).

VENTURE OVERVIEW

From a small education technology company to a successful worldwide corporation, Blackboard has committed their products and services in helping millions of learners and educators to experience the improved learning experience (“Blackboard,” 2012). Blackboard’s goal is to improve learning through offering services including Blackboard education open source services, Blackboard student services, Blackboard online program management, Blackboard strategic solutions and Blackboard managed hosting (“Blackboard,” 2012). They focus on online products for K-12, Higher Education, Colleges, military, government corporations and associations (“Blackboard,” 2012). They have a range of products such as mobile apps, online systems and web conferencing (“Blackboard,” 2012).

The excellent work of the leadership team has led Blackboard to be a very successful corporation. By knowing their market very well, they produce products and offer services that grow with the current marketing trend. For example, realizing the growing market of mobile devices the team quickly designs and implements a mobile app that would support learning.

MY THOUGHTS

In my perspective, Blackboard is an innovative and successful corporation not only they made learning more accessible, it made learning possible for those who are across the globe. Without a development like Blackboard we may not have as many options in online learning. Keeping in mind with their success, I look forward in using technology in changing the perspective of learning such as utilizing augmented reality or gameplay as part of my teaching in the future.

 Reference

Blackboard. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.blackboard.com

– Karon