SCT (Nasdaq: SCTC), WebCT, and Campus Pipeline, Inc. – the three companies that earlier joined forces to create the Product Integration Alliance – have announced the availability of their Connected Learning Solution. The Connected Learning Solution is the
SCT (Nasdaq: SCTC), WebCT, and Campus Pipeline, Inc. – the three companies that earlier joined forces to create the Product Integration Alliance – have announced the availability of their Connected Learning Solution. The Connected Learning Solution is the first product suite that integrates all major campus technologies so that colleges and universities can improve student services, simplify and reduce the time to deploy technologies, and streamline administrative processes.
The Connected Learning Solution combines information, systems, learning tools, online services, and communication tools through a user-friendly, single point of access for all campus constituents. It provides access to personalized information, online courses and other e-learning resources, administrative services, community information, and communication tools.
Barbara Bremner, director, Virtual Campus at Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, noted, "Each solution in itself provides strength. Together they provide the means to build an educational community. Instructors and students can effectively integrate technology into the teaching and learning process without having to know or learn complex systems."
The integration of enrollment information and online course systems, which are part of the Connected Learning Solution, give faculty and students immediate access to an online course environment, synchronized in real time with the SCT student information system. "Interfacing disparate systems in real time is always a challenge. FTP and/or batch updating from one system to another is generally the method of tying systems together," said Sandy Turner, student systems manager at Stephen F. Austin State University. "Having the Alliance partners provide the integrated solution relieves the institution of this chore," added Turner.
Course information, such as a student’s final grade, can be easily entered in the WebCT gradebook and automatically communicated to the SCT administrative solution, without the need for time-consuming downloads, administrator batch updates or re-entry of data. The Campus Pipeline™ Web platform provides single sign-on and visual integration for WebCT Campus Edition 3.5 course tools as well as supporting visual/data integration provided through the SCT Connection for WebCT.
"The Alliance provides a combination of technology and services that enables institutions to implement enhanced teaching and learning models," said Carol Vallone, CEO of WebCT. "It is expected to transform the higher education marketplace, as online solutions become necessary to satisfy the increasing service expectations of students. The Connected Learning Solution provides academic, administrative, and communications services for traditional and non-traditional learners – anytime, anyplace," added Vallone.
"We believe that the infrastructure provided by WebCT, Campus Pipeline, and SCT is among the most complete solutions for higher education. It is well positioned to become one of the dominant forces in the industry," said Dalton L. Chandler of Needham & Company in the company’s January 2001 Analyst Report, "Investment Opportunities in eLearning/Higher Education."
"Connectivity to the campus, single authentication, and access to resources from any location are dynamic services for students. More and more, students will expect these types of services. Having the integration services provided by the Alliance enhances our position to satisfy their expectations," said Gail Weatherly, distance education coordinator, Stephen F. Austin State University.
The Product Integration Alliance partners intend to provide coordinated and integrated software releases. "This is not your typical corporate partnership. We are going far beyond product co-planning, providing truly integrated product solutions," said Robert Moul, president of SCT global education solutions. "The Alliance partners serve the needs of institutions seeking to connect and integrate our best-of-breed technology resources to streamline management and increase student convenience and services," stated Moul.
"The Connected Learning Solution fulfills the mission of the Alliance. By developing out-of-the-box, open integration tools and service sets, the Alliance is helping institutions enhance the learning environment, facilitate campus connections, and build school communities," said Tom Lewis, chairman and CEO, Campus Pipeline.
Eleonora Panto