Corous ‘Creates’ Online Learning Software

May 22, 2002

The software, called Create, transforms Word documents prepared by course writers into well-designed courses for online delivery. It can also be used to convert material supplied by corporate clients into effective online learning experiences.

Research has shown that learners are far less tolerant of reading huge amounts of text when studying online, so COROUS keeps text to a minimum and makes courses interactive with video clips, case studies and other online tools.

To date, COROUS has used the software to create more than 30 online courses called Learning Elements. These management and leadership programmes are available for purchase by corporate clients and can be branding specifically for each company and contextualised with appropriate case studies. They will increase in number to around 90 by the end of 2002.

Daniel Nti, COROUS Managing Director, says online learning is the way forward: “More and more companies realise that learning is the key to business success and are keen for employees to enhance their skills. COROUS programmes offer employees the chance to learn online at work in small bite-size chunks. All the programmes are designed by specialists who understand that learning online is very different to traditional methods of learning or teaching.” The Learning Elements are as interactive as possible and include video clips, interactive tools such as matrix diagrams, conferencing and case studies.

COROUS has sold various Learning Elements to organisations including the NHS and BT.

COROUS is devising online learning packages for numerous companies including insurance giant Royal and SunAlliance, Shell International Exploration and BT. It has also established the COROUS Connect Network, a designated forum for companies to share their ideas and experiences about online learning.

The Network holds quarterly meetings for members, hosts online discussion topics each month and offers online resources, presentations and information. More information about COROUS can be found at its website at www.corous.com or by calling 01908 659570.

Media contact

OU Media Relations

Fiona Leslie

01908 653256

f.m.leslie@open.ac.uk