Education software maker to hold networking conference in Carefree
Staff reports

CAREFREE – The nation’s leading education software company, Blackboard Inc., is slated this April to host a networking conference for educators in Carefree.

Larry Moneta, Vice President for Student Affairs at Duke University, is scheduled to deliver the opening address at the conference which will be held April 15‑18.

Moneta will speak on the challenges of integrating student consumer and learner needs on the contemporary college campus.

The Washington D.C.‑based company posted sales exceeding $135.7 million in 2005 and employs 549 people, according to Hoover’s Online, a business research firm.

“Blackboard develops software that enables schools to create Internet‑based learning programs and communities. The company’s Academic Suite connects teachers, students, parents, and administrators via the Web, enabling Internet‑based assignments, class Web sites, and online collaboration with classmates,” company materials state.

“The software also assists instructors with course administration and includes a content management system for creating and managing digital course content. Blackboard’s software includes transaction, community, and payment management tools that enable students to use their college IDs for meal plans, event access, and tuition payments.”

Deer Valley Unified School District has been using Blackboard Inc. software for about two years now, said Chad Turley, the technical integration coordinator for the school district.

Turley said the district uses the company’s Learning System software. That software program allows both teachers and students to access and use online courses.

The school district is also using the software to expand their classroom capabilities.