Blackboard Learn is a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) that goes beyond traditional educational platforms to provide seamless, engaging learning experiences. As Anthology's flagship virtual learning environment, it offers a highly customizable online learning application that allows users to host or take courses entirely online, in hybrid or web-based formats. With its latest Ultra Experience upgrade and industry-leading AI capabilities, Blackboard enables educators to create compelling content, engage students through various interaction methods, and track learning progress through sophisticated analytics - all while meeting accessibility and compliance standards that meet the demands of today's diverse learning environments.
Key Benefits & Features
AI-Powered Course Creation
Blackboard's industry-leading generative AI capabilities help instructors create courses efficiently with the AI Design Assistant, which provides inspiration and streamlines the course creation process based on sound pedagogical principles.
Personalized Learning Experience
The platform supports flexible, personalized learning paths with built-in accessibility tools and an intuitive user interface that works on all devices, making content accessible anytime, anywhere.
Comprehensive Analytics
Close the loop between insights and action with tools that identify students with additional support needs, evaluate course effectiveness, and provide actionable information that drives ongoing student success.
Streamlined Teaching Workflows
From native plagiarism detection to customizable grading interfaces, Blackboard makes it easy for busy instructors to focus on teaching instead of administrative tasks.
Continuous Innovation
With the fastest pace of development in the market and user-driven feature enhancements, Blackboard is constantly evolving to meet the needs of education while maintaining backward compatibility.
Pros & Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| -Industry-leading AI tools for course design |
- Higher price point compared to alternatives |
| -User-friendly, intuitive interface |
- Reporting framework in need of improvement |
| -Robust third-party integrations |
- Can be complex for small organizations |
| - Cross-device accessibility |
- Implementation requires extensive planning |
| - Built-in plagiarism detection |
- Annual licensing model can impact budgeting |
| -Strong student progress tracking |
- Learning curve for new administrators |
| -Seamless synchronization of grades |
|
| -Comprehensive mobile apps |
|
Platforms
- Cloud-based SaaS solution
- Web interface (browser-based)
- Mobile apps for Android devices
- iOS apps for iPhone and iPad
- Tablet-optimized experience
Specifications
- Fully responsive design that supports all modern browsers
- Native mobile applications for learning on the go
- Multilingual support for over 20 languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Arabic and more
- 24/7 support options including chat, phone and email help
- Knowledge base and community forums for self-service support
- Regular SaaS updates with continuous improvement cycles
- SCORM compliance with development of xAPI functions
- AI-powered accessibility verification through Anthology Ally
Integrations
- Network of over 200 partner integrations
- Seamless Class integration for synchronous learning
- Deep Microsoft and Google Workspace integrations
- Integration of video conferencing tools
- Support for Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standards
- Partnerships with content providers for teaching material
- Native plagiarism detection services
- Customizable API connections for enterprise systems
Standard Conformity
-Support of SCORM 1.2 and SCORM 2004 (3rd Edition)
- Development of xAPI functions with Learner Record Store partnerships
- WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards
- ADA and Section 508 compliance
-Compliance with GDPR data protection regulations
- LTI 1.3 certification for interoperability of tools
-Support of the QTI standard for assessment interoperability
Target Audience
- Higher Education institutions (primary market segment - 37% of the customer base)
- Corporate Training departments
- Education management organizations (9% of the customer base)
- Information Technology and Services industries (6% of the customer base)
- Large Organizations (>1000 employees) - 50% of the customer base
- Medium-sized organizations (37% of the customer base)
- Small businesses with special training needs (11% of users)
- Non-profit organizations and public administrations
- Global institutions (56% of customers in the USA, 14% in Brazil)
Remarkable Adoptions
- More than 100 universities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa offer 100% of their courses on Blackboard Learn Ultra
- University of Leeds School of Law reports significant improvements to digital learning experiences
- Bellevue College leverages Blackboard's continuous feature enhancements
- Thousands of higher education institutions worldwide
- Used by organizations in over 90 countries
- More than 150 million users around the world
Pricing and Licensing
| Plan Type |
Starting Price |
Key Features |
Best For |
| Base License |
$9,500/year |
Core LMS features, content creation tools, mobile access |
Small to mid-sized businesses |
| Enterprise |
Custom pricing |
All basic features plus advanced analytics, priority support, enhanced security |
Large institutions, enterprises |
| Ultra Experience |
Included in subscription |
Modern interface, AI course creation, accessibility tools |
Organizations that want the latest features |
| Add-on Services |
Varies |
Implementation support, data migration, custom integrations |
Organizations requiring specialized setup |
Note: Pricing is subscription-based with an annual contract. Volume discounts and pricing for educational institutions are available. some users report a 30-day free trial
Company Information
Blackboard Learn is developed by Anthology, a leading provider of educational solutions that support the entire learner lifecycle. Originally founded in 1997, Blackboard was acquired by and merged with Anthology in 2021, combining decades of experience in education technology. The company is ISO 27001 certified for information security management and complies with GDPR and other regional data protection regulations. It serves educational and corporate institutions in over 80 countries worldwide.
