Grand Rapids Community College has participated in the Blackboard conferences at many levels. The are many benefits of attending such a conference. Some of the benefits include: networking with other instutions, learning something new, keeping up to date on emerging technologies, discovering best practice, and interacting directly with Blackboard representatives.
Conferences provide the ability to:
- Connect with other users and colleges.
- Network with peers who share similar interests.
- Discover best practices and emerging technologies and teaching techniques.
- Explore and identify new products and services that can advance the servcies we provide at the college.
- Engage and participate in informal discussions and panel sessions around key themes and topics impacting education.
- Hear inspiring keynotes from thought leaders on the intersection of technology and education.
- Learn from innovative speakers and thought leaders that approach the next generation of teaching and learning with technology.
2012 updated conference notes and additional information can be found at GRCC's BbWorld Conference Blog and the also check out the live Twitter stream! Blackboard also has a new Facebook page here.
BbWorld'12
July 10-12
New Orleans, LA
Highlights:
1. Eric Kunnen will be presenting a session at the conference, entitled: "Blackboard Analytics for Blackboard Learn Customer Limited Field Trial Panel: Early Findings and Insights" & "Mobile and Course Communications"
2. Meegan Willi and Eric Kunnen from Distance Learning and Instructional Technologies will be attending this conference.
3. Cheryl Kautz, Professor at GRCC will receive the college's first Blackboard Exemplary Course Award. She will also participate in a panel on the Exemplary Course Program entitled: "Beyond the Bells and Whistles - Exemplary Courses and Best Practices".
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002
BbWorld'11
July 12-14
Las Vegas, NV
Highlights:
1. Eric Kunnen, Garry Brand, Bill Faber, and Szymon Machajewski will be presenting a session at the conference, entitled: Leveraging Academic Analytics in System Administration, Professional Development, and Course Improvement
2. Symon Machajewski will be attending the Bb Developers Conference and Open Source Day as well.
3. GRCC attendees include: Kevin O'Halla, Eric Kunnen, Meegan Lillis, Garry Brand, Bill Faber, Szymon Machajewski, Mark Nordblom, Fred Bauman, Diane Sparks, Tricia Siegel, Deb Vilmont, Ann Alexander, and Tim Koets.
4. From Twitter via @Blackboard: Wondering what #BbWorld11 sessions to attend? Check out must-sees from @jpostonday @ekunnen. Something for everyone: http://ow.ly/4N8Py
BbWorld'10
July 13-16, 2010
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Orlando, FL
Highlights:
- Eric Kunnen presented a panel session on Project ASTRO - Reporting Success Stories and the Next Phase and in a breakout session on Using NBC News Videos in Blackboard Learn to Enliven Instruction and Increase Student Engagement in Blackboard.
- Szymon Machajewski's notes from the Developers Conference and Open Source Day.
BbWorld'09
July 14-16, 2009
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
Washington DC
Highlights:
- Eric Kunnen presented a Poster session and in a breakout session on the topic of Advanced System Reporting (Project ASTRO) with Santo Nucifora from Seneca College.
- Szymon Machajewski and Bill Ouchark attended the conference as well from GRCC.
BbWorld'08
July 15-18, 2008
Las Vegas, Nevada
Venetian Resort Hotel
Highlights:
- Eric Kunnen presented a Poster session and in a breakout session on the topic of Advanced System Reporting.
- Eric Kunnen and Kevin Reeve from Utah State University conducted a pre-conference workshop on Podcasting and Enterprise Solutions.
- Szymon Machajewski attended the Developers Conference in addition to the main conference. Read conference blog.
BbWorld'07
July 10-12, 2007
Boston, Massachusetts
Hynes Convention Center
Highlights:
- Garry Brand and Eric Kunnen presenting with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Georgetown University, and Dallas Baptist University on the topic: "From Information Literacy to Scholarly Identity: Effective Pedagogical Strategies for Social Bookmarking".
- Eric Kunnen presenting with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Virtual High School Global Consortium, and Utah State University on the topic: "From Customer to Partner, Building a Successful
Partnership with Blackboard". Also with Blackboard Inc. and other clients on the topic: "Partners in Innovation: How clients shape Blackboard Products". Finally, a presentation entitled "Seeding Innovation: The Greenhouse Grant" with Seton Hall University, Amarillo Independent School District, Deakin University, and Seneca College. Eric also served on the Program Committee. - First combined WebCT and Blackboard client conference.
GRCC staff planning to attend:
- Bill Faber, Physical Science Professor
- Garry Brand, Business Law Professor
- Erich Flynn, Network Analyst
- Eric Kunnen, Coordinator of Instructional Technologies
- Fred Zomer, Counselor/Advisor
- Sharon Wynkoop, Professor
BbWorld'06
February 28 - March 2, 2006
San Diego, California
San Diego Convention Center
Highlights:
- Keynote speaker was Malcolm Gladwell, author of Blink & The Tipping Point.
- Client Appreciation Party aboard the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier.
- Eric Kunnen presented GRCC's view (along with University of Illinois at Chicago and Kettering University) on mobile computing in a Intel Keynote by Carlos Carbajal who is the Higher Ed Programs Manger for Intel.
- Bernard Manker, Department Head and Professor presented with Eric Kunnen, Coordinator of Instructional Technologies, along with University of California, Hebrew College, and Arizona State University in a panel session entitled "Case Studies in Online Language Learnign with Horizon Wimba".
- Kathy Miller, Nursing Professor, presented with Friends University and Ryerson University in a panel session entitled "Secure Blackboard Exams - You Can Do It! "
- Presentations are available on Connections at Blackboard.
- Eric Kunnen served on the Program Committee for the conference.
GRCC attendees:
- Eric Kunnen, Coordinator of Instructional Technologies
- Michael Schuler, Learning Academy Executive Director
- Bernard Manker, Professor
- Ann Alexander, Professor
- Liz Timmer, Coordinator of Professional Development
- Darcy Swope, Student Technology Help Desk Coordinator
- Erich Flynn, Network Analyst
- Kathleen Miller, Professor
- Paulo Teles, One Card Manager
- Scott Martin, Facilities
- Vicki Meyers , Professor
Blackboard Users Conference 2005
April 12-14, 2005
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore Convention Center
Highlights:
- Eric Kunnen served on the Program Committee for the conference.
- Client appreciation event held at the Baltimore Ravens' Stadium.
- Keynote by Cal Ripken Jr.
GRCC attendees:
- Eric Kunnen, Instructional Designer
- Erich Flynn, Network Analyst
Blackboard Users Conference 2004
March 9 -11, 2004
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix Civic Plaza
The GRCC Blackboard Team Returns Safely!
Highlights:
- Eric Kunnen, Instructional Designer, Distance and Learning Technologies, presented with Seneca College and Wake Forest University in a session entitled �Thinking out of the Box: Using Blackboard across the Institution�.
- Kathleen Miller, nursing instructor, presented with Pace University and the University of Vermont in a panel session entitled: "Effective Use of Blackboard Assessment Tools: Administrating Secure Exams".
- Client appreciation party was held on the Symphony Terrace at the Phoenix Civic Plaza.
GRCC attendees:
- Eric Mullen, Director of Student Activities
- Paulo Teles, One Card Manager
- Bob Engmark, Executive Director of Information Technology
- Erich Flynn, Network Analyst
- Mike Schuler, Director of Training and Development
- Darcy Swope, Student Technology Help Desk Manager
- Hillery Haney, Language Arts Instructor
- Eric Kunnen, Instructional Designer
- Kathleen Miller, Nursing Instructor
- Marcia Woods, English Instructor
Blackboard Users Conference 2003
February 25 - 27, 2003
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
Highlights:
- The client appreciation party was held at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.
- There was a client gathering in the lobby of the hotel to discuss the issues and concerns around release 6, since many insitutions upgraded to the new version over the Winter break. There were many Blackboard representatives at this meeting as well.
GRCC attendees:
- Eric Kunnen, Instructional Designer
Blackboard Users Conference 2002
March 18 -21, 2002
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix Civic Plaza
GRCC attendees:
- Eric Kunnen, Instructional Designer
- Paul Chardoul, History Instructor
