SU Turns Technological to Solve Problems

After years of suffering from headaches brought upon by a clumsy financial aid process and glitchy software courtesy of Blackboard, Southern University students can now breathe a sigh of relief as SU is turning to technology to solve its problems. Senior Lacey James, Rehabilitation Services major and who has attended SU since 2008, calls the financial aid partnership with JAGQ amazing. Much of the convenience around JAGQ comes from the ability to allow students to wait in line virtually, eliminating the clutter of long lines and absenteeism often associated with the first week of school. “I’m used to the gym being full of people and it wasn’t” said James “All we had to do was sign up and get our spot,” adding that she was able to attend three classes all while never having to worry about losing her spot in the line. To take advantage of JAGQ students can either login through the QLESS app or sign up with financial aid after which the student will be notified of their place in line via text. “JAGQ is a perfect example of how we can take advantage of technology,” said Chancellor Ray Belton adding that “We have more coming,” In regards to technological improvements around campus. Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer Dr. Gabriel Fagbeyiro said that the decision to improve the financial aid process, and drop Blackboard was a no brainer. He cited that there were many reasons why Southern decided to make the changes, however, the most important was because of student feedback they received.
SU Turns Technological to Solve Problems
“Last year we sent out a survey to find out what issues students dealt with most,” said Fagbeyiro. “The administration and Department of Information Technology is responding to those problems with solutions,” he finished. Another one of those problems being Blackboard, a costly and often troublesome learning management system has been used by the University for more than a decade. “Blackboard is the old way of doing things, while Moodle is more in keeping with the times,” said Fagbeyiro. Moodle admin Goldie Jordan describes Moodle as an open-source learning software and blackboard alternative. “We think students are going to love this new addition to their curriculum,” said Jordan. She went on to add that because much of Moodle is customizable, its look is more modern and less boring than the standard grey and white most students had been accustomed to seeing from Blackboard. Senior and Pre Dentistry Major Angela Simmons said that she didn’t have any problems with Blackboard but that she loves the immersive experience she’s had with blackboard. “The words are bigger on Moodle so you don’t have to squint to look for your classes like you did on Blackboard,” said Simmons. With Moodle students now have the ability to download plugins to tailor their learning styles, they can even change the look and feel altogether with customizable themes.
SU Turns Technological to Solve Problems
Fagbeyiro said that aside from the customization and functionality that Moodle now brings, because it is an open source software and relatively free, SU stands to save more than $200,000 in licensing fees that would have normally been allocated to Blackboard. “When I arrived a little more than a year ago Blackboard was proposing a takeover of both campuses,” said Fagbeyiro “and that proposal comes out to about 595,000 dollars a year, that’s just money we don’t have,” he finished. Fagbeyiro also noted out that Moodle and JAGQ are just a few of the technological advancements coming to students this year adding that they should expect to see an improved Wi-Fi network, cable services and the implementation of JAGQ in other departments. Students with questions about Moodle or JAGQ are encouraged to visit the Office of Information and Technology help desk located on the 2nd floor of Moore hall.