SLATE, the Midwest Blackboard Users Group, was created from the concept that all institutions that are deploying and/or currently using Web-based components to enhance their teaching and learning activities, have the same questions, the same challenges, and the need for the same solutions. By drawing together the expertise of the people involved in the entire academic experience and those designing, supporting, and using these applications; faculty, support staff, systems administrators, instructional designers, librarians, and students - a broader and more accessable and dynamic support system could be established. Our current membership comes from K-12, Higher Education, and the Corporate sector.

The first meeting was held at the University of Chicago in May of 2002. The original core of eight institutions included; The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Moraine Valley Community College, Joliet Junior College, Purdue University Calumet, DePaul University, Northern Illinois University, and Northeastern Illinois University. That number has grown to over 50 participating institutions across the country and has gained international recognition.

The SLATE mission: To support learning and technology in education through communication, collaboration, and innovation while developing a community of practice.