Dive Brief:

• Cornell University has signed on to use Blackboard's Internet2 NET+ services, which include an online and mobile version of Blackboard’s learning management system.
• The Internet2 NET+ offering also includes a cloud-based open-content repository that allows higher-ed institutions to collaborate on developing course materials.
• Additionally, the university will have access to learning analytics that examine student behavior to help instructors make course improvements.

Dive Insight:

Internet2, which runs the country’s fastest research and education computer network, is owned by its member institutions. It was created in 1996 for its members to collaborate on technology, education, and research issues. Blackboard said in a press release that Cornell and other Internet2 institutions helped develop NET+. As part of the deal, Cornell also gains access to Blackboard’s educational services, including training on technology adoption and technical support on system maintenance. According to Cornell’s assistant director of academic technologies, Todd Maniscalco, the Blackboard system will allow the school to gather best practices from other institutions and use them to improve its own teaching.