The Design of E-learning Services on the Blackboard

This paper discusses the design of e-learning services on the Blackboard (Bb) based on Website Design Methodology (WSDM) and Australian Flexible Learning Framework (AFLF). It presents the five design phases of WSDM to demonstrate the consistency of these steps with the design of the Bb system at Nizwa College of Applied Sciences (NCAS). This analysis will lead to better understand of the features of the Bb as a web-based e-learning management system. Also, it emphasizes the need to apply the six steps of the AFLF while designing and implementing the contents of e-learning. This study gives clear answers to the following questions: How can NCAS designs e-web services handled by the Bb by using the guidelines of AFLF? How can NCAS use WSDM to assess its performance when it uses the Bb? Do the five design phases of WSDM really exist in NCAS Bb system? Can NCAS combine the AFLF and WSDM in one complete model of design? These are the important questions will be the main titles for this research. The study finished with the following fact: NCAS can realistically use the Bb system, because it applied all the five phases of WSDM. Also, by using the six steps of AFLF in designing and implementing e-services, NCAS will defiantly have a clear road map for design and implementing e-services for both students and teachers.