Blackboard Sync Components

Blackboard Sync is actually a solution that consists of multiple applications:

• The Blackboard Sync central service.
  The Blackboard Sync central service, hosted by Blackboard through our Managed Hosting team, is responsible for all of the communication with the individual Blackboard Learn systems at the various institutions, securely and safely stores the synchronized data, and displays it to the user in external services and devices through the end-user applications.
  
  

• The Blackboard Sync Building Block. (More on the Blackboard Sync Building Block)
  Although not required, institutions that want an extra level of control, security, and reporting can install the Blackboard Sync Building Building Block to make Blackboard Sync even more effective.
  
  

• The Blackboard Sync End-User Applications
  Specific to the various external services or devices, the end-user applications allow the user to receive notifications about changes to their course or organizations in the external service or device. Currently, the available end-user applications include:
  
  
  • Blackboard Learn for the Facebook Platform
    This is installed by a Facebook user in their Facebook account to provide access to their own Blackboard data in the Facebook interface. Although the app is installed in Facebook, all the data is always remotely hosted in the secure Blackboard Sync central service.
    
    
  • Blackboard Learn for the iPhone and iPod touch
    This is installed on an iPhone or iPod Touch device by the owner of the device. The synchronized data is stored in the Blackboard Sync central service, but a copy is also downloaded to the device for access when a network connection is not available. 
    
    
  • Blackboard Learn Toolbar for Internet Explorer and Firefox
    This is installed on an Internet Explorer and/or Firefox browser by the end-user. Although the app is installed in the browser, all the data is always remotely hosted in the secure Blackboard Sync central service.