Northern Illinois University currently uses version 6.0 of the online Blackboard system to enhance communication and convenience between students and professors.

Purchased in 2000, the software was the most adaptable system on the market at the time, said Carol Scheidenhelm, instructional technologies coordinator.

“It’s a lot easier for students to access materials than get it from the reserve in the library,” said Lynn Kamenitsa, associate professor of women’s studies and political science.

This is the second semester Kamenitsa has used Blackboard in her classes.

“It is also an easy way to communicate and post assignments,” she said. “It’s great for the budget crunch, because there’s no printouts.”

Blackboard offers links to the campus calendar, undergraduate and graduate catalog, campus organization, class announcements, grades and directory.

“It’s a communication tool that teachers can set up, and students in the class can use it for group projects,” said Chris Tarczon, Douglas Hall lab manager. “It’s easy for students to get together, virtual classrooms are available, you can upload files, put up a PowerPoint presentations, and it’s an easy and organized way to download lectures.”

However, Blackboard is not useful for everybody. Michael Day, associate professor and director of first-year composition, said, “Blackboard is only a good tool for departments that don’t have their own home-grown Web environment.”

The English department has its own online bulletin board system called Webboard, which allows for class discussions and e-mail at no charge.

“I have found that there is much to be gained from the one-on-one human interaction that takes place . … However, it is really nice to access course materials online, and take a test in your pajamas at home,” said Elizabeth Leake, associate director of ITS customer support services.