What are some of the organizational issues that would need to be addressed if you used a collaboration tool(s) linked outside of a Blackboard(an LMS)?
Organizational Issues Collaboration Tools Outside an LMS. How To Use Collaboration Tools Outside an LMS read.
In terms of organizational tools that would need to be addressed, the developer or instructor.
If deciding to use blogs, wiki, journal, and discussion forum collaboration tools outside the BB, would have to add a folder, section, or tab within the BB that housed all of the outside tools with hyperlinks that open in a new window.
This would avoid the student having to search for each individual link every time a new assignment is due.
Terms of when and whether an instructor or developer chooses to use outside tools will depend on the needs of the class, the course, and the goals of learning.
If outside tools are utilized, it is possible that the instructor will need to find and provide additional training modules so that a student unfamiliar with the external tool (i.e. PBWorks.com, etc.) would be able to easily learn the new system.
An instructor would also have to try and ensure that his or her students had the technology available to use the outside tools chosen for the course.
Requiring an outside tool that a student cannot access or decipher would definitely hinder the learning process.
An instructor would have to be extremely organized, as well, to keep up with assignments and grading in several different locations.
For a new instructor wishing to use outside tools, it would probably be best to try one new blog/wiki/journaling collaborative tool at a time, thus avoiding undue frustration and work.
As the goal of encompassing digital learning is to enhance and make an effective learning experience.
The instructor must first master any and all outside systems/LMS products being used before tasking students to use those same tools.
Organizational Issues Collaboration Tools Outside an LMS