Today, Blackboard Inc. announced that its software will now be available through an app for its users.

The app was designed "to improve faculty workflow around assignments and easily track student submissions," said a press release. "Specifically designed for teachers, the app marks the latest step in Blackboard's revamped product strategy that is focused on providing the best experience for end users."

Blackboard is a education technology company that partners with higher education, K-12, corporate organizations, and government agencies around the world to "help every learner achieve their full potential."

"Through Bb Grader®, teachers and faculty can easily track, sort, and grade student assignments across multiple courses directly from their iOS® tablets," the release said. "They can also offer text, audio and video feedback on submissions, creating more personalized and engaging responses on projects and tasks."

The app, the release said, also "allows teachers to view metrics on potential student performance risks, making it easier for instructors to effectively improve student retention and outcomes on a daily basis."

"I like the interface. I especially like that I can immediately see all course assignments and quickly get a list of those that need to be graded. I can also see which students have not yet submitted," said Robert Newbury, Ph.D., faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno. "I found the simple swipe features and the ability to email students directly very handy. I also enjoyed the simplicity of going in and changing a grade. There are no extra buttons to click. I just hit 'grade' and start modifying."

Mark Strassman, senior vice president of product management for Blackboard, said educators need, and "expect" great tools that help them do their jobs better.

"I am excited to offer a helpful and delightful tool that not only have teachers and faculty been asking us for, but is designed specifically for them," he said. "This represents yet another step in our renewed focus on creating products that improve the experience for the teachers and the students that use our solutions every day."

The app, the press release said, is "available at no extra cost to teachers whose schools use Blackboard's mobile teaching and learning solution."

Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor