Once a year Blackboard hosts the BbWorld conference over four days for faculty, students, administrators, instructional technology specialists, training professionals, developers, and system administrators. In 2015, the conference is in Washington, D.C. from July 20-23.
This year, Blackboard introduces the virtual conference experience -- a free opportunity to faculty, students, staff, and others to follow all of the keynotes featuring youth advocate Adora Svitak, flipped classroom expert Aaron Sams, and technology innovator Peter Diamandis. The virtual conference will also provide attendees with access to industry insights and Blackboard roadmap sessions -- including a sneak peak at Blackboard Ultra, the next major release!
Virtual participants can customize the online experience by following one of five tracks aligned with their professional role.
- DevCon - Especially for Developers, System Administrators, and other IT professionals, this track dives into the technical aspects of digital learning, including new technologies and future product plans
- Today’s Learners - Learn about the real-world challenges facing students today. Student leaders will describe in their own words how they’re aligning future hopes with near-term education decisions.
- K-12 - Explore the challenges facing K-12 executive and district leaders today, such as digital transformation, engaging parents to improve student outcomes, and keeping pace with emerging technologies.
- Higher Education - This track highlights case studies, lessons learned, and new technology strategies for delivering education that’s more effective, more efficient, and more accessible to all students.
- Professional Education - Employee engagement and effective training are critical to bottom line results. In this track you’ll learn about technology strategies for increasing the reach, efficiency, and return on your training investments.
Additionally, the virtual conference will provide interactive chat, on demand case studies, and session replays.
DoIT will present twice at the Bb World conference:
- "A Peek Behind the UMBC Analytics Curtain," John Fritz and Kevin Joseph
- "Sous Chefs & Apprentices: Mentoring & Training Future Blackboard Experts," Mariann Hawken & Holly Bielak (with Dr. Katrina Kardiasmenos, Bowie State University)
Register today for BbWorld Live or register to attend Bb World in person. During the conference, follow social media via Twitter hashtags #BbWorldLive or #BbWorld15.