http://www.boycottblackboard.org/

http://www.boycottblackboard.org/

by Sebastian Komorowski -
Number of replies: 3
http://www.boycottblackboard.org/

"

Online learning provider Blackboard, Inc. announced that it has patented the Learning Management System (LMS). Prior art exists in many forms. Please join us in signing the petition below to boycott Blackboard, Inc. for fabricating this ill-conceived and illegitimate patent against the education industry. We fully support those companies that are rightfully fighting this attack on the education industry.

Some Links to News Items:
 Slashdot e-Literate Blackboard's Press Release Moodle's Online Learning History "

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In reply to Sebastian Komorowski

Re: http://www.boycottblackboard.org/

by Frances Bell -
I work for a large institution that uses Blackboard as its main VLE. I am not sure what meaning it would have for me to sign this petition, as I have no intention of damaging the student experience by not using the VLE to communicate with them. There may be other more effective actions I can take that would in themselves be jeopardised by my signing this petition. I am quite happy for others to do so - just wanted to point out some organisational realities.
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In reply to Sebastian Komorowski

Re: http://www.boycottblackboard.org/

by Martin Dougiamas -
Picture of Core developers Picture of Documentation writers Picture of Moodle HQ Picture of Particularly helpful Moodlers Picture of Plugin developers Picture of Testers
This is really old news. The patent is currently being re-examined by the USPTO. smile

http://www.softwarefreedom.org/news/20070125a.html

And in the meantime, Blackboard made a pledge:

http://www.blackboard.com/patent/FAQ_013107.htm
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In reply to Martin Dougiamas

Re: http://www.boycottblackboard.org/

by Samuli Karevaara -
That pledge is a clever move. They'll minimize the heat from OSS, but can still play the FUD game because "to protect ourselves defensively, Blackboard reserves the right to revoke this pledge"...

But nevertheless, I see this pledge as a good thing. Legally it's probably not such a big issue, as those patents might have prior art anyway smile
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