Parkersburg, W.Va. – (November 16, 2020) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg – like other schools in the state and nation – transitioned Spring and Fall 2020 coursework to online and limited-contact classes. To continue to help students on their academic paths, WVU Parkersburg has invested in the latest version of Blackboard Learn, the college’s online learning management system.

WVU Parkersburg selected Blackboard as its learning management system based on its ability to meet instructional needs and provide reliable service to students and faculty. The system serves as an online environment where synchronous or asynchronous learning can take place with faculty holding class lectures and discussions, and students accessing class resources and submitting coursework.

“This significant upgrade to our learning management system could not come at a more important time as we continue with mostly remote and technology-enabled instruction,” said Dr. Chad Crumbaker, WVU Parkersburg provost. “We are always focused on the success of our students and that requires providing our faculty with the best teaching and learning resources possible.”

The new version of Blackboard Learn includes a new, streamlined landing page that allows students and instructors more easy access to important course information, including learning materials, grades, messages, calendars and relevant links arranged in an “Activity” feed. The new layout makes Blackboard Learn more accessible for students using mobile devices and provides a simple, consistent experience regardless of how it is accessed.

“Our goal is to provide the best tools possible to support the WVU Parkersburg community,” said Chris Fahey, WVU Parkersburg director of Instructional Innovation. “Significantly more students are using mobile devices to access their learning materials due to the COVID pandemic, and our current Blackboard Learn navigation does not adjust well to various devices. So, we made the decision to push ahead to the latest version of Blackboard so we could more effectively engage students.”

Blackboard’s new version also integrates seamlessly with WVU Parkersburg’s existing Zoom and Respondus test proctoring solutions. Zoom has enhanced the college’s web conferencing capabilities, allowing WVU Parkersburg to respond proactively to the pandemic by moving to remote learning and business operations in many cases.

For Blackboard and Zoom support resources, visit wvup.edu/distance-learning, or contact the Center for Instructional Innovation at cii@wvup.edu.