Cengage Learning, Blackboard Collaborate on Digital Resource Integration
Cengage Learning and Blackboard have partnered in an effort to give instructors and students more streamlined access to Cengage Learning's digital learning solutions and core curriculum materials through the Blackboard Learn learning management system.
The new integrated solution uses and expands an existing collaboration between the two companies where Blackboard is part of the Cengage Learning MindShare Alliance Partner Program and Cengage Learning is a member of the Blackboard Strategic Partnerships Program.
Specifically, the newly integrated solution leverages the open APIs of Blackboard Learn to provide access for students and teachers using Cengage Learning's Web services architecture. This includes the ability to directly link all Cengage Learning CourseMate titles through Blackboard Learn to individual student activities and e-books by creating what the companies said is a "simpler and more intuitive user experience" with single sign-on, embedded activity links, and gradebook synchronization for Cengage Learning's MindTap platform.
The new solution also includes a single sign-on and placement of embedded links at the activity level for CourseMate products through Blackboard Learn.
Cengage Learning's products are designed to provide "integrated learning outcomes" for the academic and library markets that "bridge from the library to the classroom," the company said. Blackboard's solutions--designed for the higher education and K-12 market--are designed to focus on extending online teaching and learning and facilitating campus commerce and security.
More closely integrating the combined resources of the two companies' educational product lines, "frees up valuable time for instructors," said Cengage Learning Executive Vice President William Rieders. "The integrating of our digital products into Blackboard Learn (extends) an institution's existing investments in Blackboard Technology while providing the best of both worlds for Cengage Learning and Blackboard Learn customers," he continued.
More information about Blackboard is available at blackboard.com. Visit cengage.com to learn more about Cengage Learning.
About the Author
Jim Barthold is a freelance technology reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].