Advantages and Disadvantages of using Blackboard

This blog discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using blackboard from a student's perspective. Please share your experiences with using blackboard.

Advantages -

1. No loose leaf papers flying around
2. Can get homework without having to go to class
3. Nifty little calender application that shows when projects are due
4. Shows current grades
5. Gives means of communicating with peers via chatting

Disadvantages -

1. Not particularly reliable; breaks down frequently
2. Risk of not sending an assignment in correctly and having a mean teacher fail you for technological problems
3. Encourages more time spent in front of a computer screen which can lead to distractions such as facebook AND poor eyesight, because reading a screen is more straining for the eyeball than reading paper
4. Some teachers have more advanced applications on their computers so when they send their students study guides, the students can't open them
5. Blackboard enables teachers to post Power Points online which encourages students to not come to class and just read the Power Points at home.