Nov. 4, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

DENVER, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Blackboard Inc. (Nasdaq: BBBB) today announced an alliance with Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT) to offer students and learners access to information from their online courses on Web browsers, enabling them to keep up with important course updates while surfing the Web, not just when logged into their Blackboard® accounts.

Under the agreement, Blackboard and Microsoft will work together to enable notifications to appear in their Web browser using the Bing(TM) toolbar when new course information becomes available through the Blackboard Learn(TM) platform. The toolbar will also be compatible with the Internet Explorer® and Firefox® Web browsers.

Streamlined access to course information will make it easier for millions of students who log in to their Blackboard accounts several times daily to check for assignments, grades, announcements and other information. With the Blackboard Learn toolbar for Bing, IE and Firefox, students will receive updates on their courses, groups and organizations directly in their browser, regardless of which Web site they are visiting and without having to log in to Blackboard every time.

"We are always looking for ways to get information out to students in the places they already spend their time," said Nick McClure, Lead Systems Programmer at the University of Kentucky. "Customizing the toolbar to include personalized Blackboard content will make this more than just another tool. Students will get security and protection, while staying up to date on their courses."

Blackboard previously created similar applications to enable students and learners to receive course notifications and alerts through the Facebook® platform and on Apple® iPhone® or iPod touch® devices. Together, the integrations are part of the company's overall effort to increase student engagement by creating streamlined access to course information in a variety of popular platforms and devices - not just within Blackboard Learn.

"This partnership extends our effort to bring important educational information to students wherever they are and whenever they need it, in the most convenient method possible," said Matthew Small, Blackboard's Chief Business Officer. "This offering will help our clients continue to drive adoption of their e-learning initiatives on campus as well as reduce their support costs."

Work to enable access to course updates in Web browsers, the Facebook platform and on mobile devices is central to Blackboard's efforts to help institutions better meet the needs of learners and promote higher achievement through greater engagement.