| Program |
LiveText
(312) 329-0210 |
Blackboard*
(800) 424-9299, ext. 860 |
WebCT
(877) 932-2863 |
FirstClass
(888) 588-3444 |
Polycom WebOffice
(770) 641-4400 |
| Platform |
Mac/Win (more robust features available only on PC) |
Mac, Win, Linux, Unix |
Mac, Win, Linux, Unix |
Mac/Win |
Win |
| Delivery Mode |
ASP |
Client/server or ASP |
Client/server |
Client/server |
Setup uses client/
server, then peer-to-peer |
| Price |
Pricing based on faculty size, ranging from $750 to $2,500 annually |
Annual licensing begins at $5,000. |
Pricing based on the number of users, starting at $7,500 |
ý$7/user for Groupware
ý$55/user for Unified Communi-cations |
ýSold in bundles of 25 seats (or active sessions) at $750/seat
ýCurrently working on educational pricing |
| Communi-cation Tools |
ýReal-time text entry using digital sticky notes
ýDiscussion boards |
ýChat
ýThreaded and unthreaded discussion boards, with archiving, collection, and print options
ýDrop box and parent access |
ýCourse-specific e-mail
ýThreaded and unthreaded discussion boards, with archiving, collection, and print options
ýChat and whiteboard |
ýGroupware includes e-mail, chat, and voice mail
ýUnified Communi-cations adds simultaneous voice, e-mail, and paging. |
ýWhiteboard
ýChat
ýApplication sharing
ýDiscussion boards
ýComplete system includes point-to-point and multipoint audio and video-conferencing. |
| Assessment Tools |
4 question types (true/false, multiple choice, fill in the blank, and essay), with automatic grading of all except essay |
7 different question types (true/false, matching, multiple choice, etc.) with automatic grading for all except short answer/essay |
ý5 question types (true/false, matching, calculation, fill in the blank, essay) with automatic grading of all except essay
ýComments option for teachers
ýQuestion bank for generating random quizzes |
None included, but can be added by system administrator or user. |
None |
| Support for Third-Party Applications |
None |
ýCan integrate third-party applications using Blackboardýs Building Blocks program
ýAPEX and class.com are content providers.
ýTextbook content from specific publishers can be added to courses. |
ýCompatible with any IMS-standard compliant applications
ýTextbook content from specific publishers can be added to courses. |
Anything you can put on your hard drive can incorporate into FirstClass |
None, but applications can be shared |
| Features |
ýAbility to select people/groups for reviewing, editing, and sharing lessons
ýOption to insert bulletin boards into lessons
ýLessons organized by teaching models; many designed to meet state and national standards |
ýReal-time virtual classroom
ýTeacher-controlled communication (mute a student, show presentations, etc.)
ýHandheld sync
ýShared calendar
ýMonitor student usage |
ýAutomated audio- and video-enhanced glossary
ýCustomized content delivery
ýHandheld sync
ýShared course calendar
ýDrop box
ýAccess to student usage information |
ýInstant Web page updating and creation using e-mail
ýUser-controlled environment
ýComprehensive communication management tools (search e-mail by subject, date, thread, etc.)
ýHighly scalable
ýHandheld sync
ýShared calendar
ýDrop box and parent access |
ýReal-time content and application sharing
ýRemote control of other computers
ýVirtual office always ýopený for people to leave messages and pick up and drop off files
ýIndicates when participants are off task |
| Strengths |
ýProject-based collaboration focused around lesson plan development
ýLow technology learning curve |
ýTemplate driven
ýEasy course setup
ýOption to embed other applications |
ýContext-based help
ýOptions to customize or use pre-designed course templates
ýSelective Release |
ýMakes Web page creation and updating a snap
ýRobust collaboration and communication tools
ýFlexible features mean it does what you want |
ýRobust real-time collaboration capabilities
ýSpontaneous multipoint video-conferencing
ýOptional audio and video-conferencing |
| Limitations |
Teacher collaboration only, no third-party access |
Template-driven course design limits flexibility. |
Customizing course templates requires advanced tech know-how. |
Sold as an "empty system." The institution has to define organization and design delivery from ground up. |
Expensive initial investment, but user owns product rather than subscribing to service |
| The Bottom Line |
An affordable, low-tech way to create a Ký12 professional community |
An easy- and ready-to-use e-learning platform best for online instruction and collaboration within courses |
Best for collaboration in online courses, WebCT adds flexibility to e-learning platforms. |
You can build your own vision of community around the scalability and flexibility FirstClass offers. |
Pricey but full-spectrum provider of collaboration technologies |
| * We reviewed Blackboardýs Ký12 demonstration site, which cannot be accessed from the Blackboard home page. Contact a company representative for a tour. |
