Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. Standardizes on Blackboard for Fast Growing Online Higher Education Division
July 30, 2002, Washington, D.C. – Blackboard Inc. today announced that Sylvan’s Online Higher Education (OHE) division has adopted the Blackboard Learning System™ as its e-Education operating system. The expanded strategic relationship between the companies provides Sylvan with a customized version of the Blackboard Learning System for course authoring, management and delivery.
Sylvan, a recognized leader in the consumer education market, has quickly broadened its presence in post-secondary e-Learning offerings. Having grown to more than 3,127 enrollments in 2002, Sylvan will now utilize the Blackboard Learning System across its Online Higher Education division, which includes:
• Walden University – offers fully-accredited online Ph.D. and Masters degrees to working professionals in education, management, health, and psychology;
• National Technological University – offers accredited distance learning and online graduate degrees and courses in engineering, management, and computer-related fields;
• Canter & Associates – offers online and video-based graduate degrees and courses to education professionals;
• OnlineLearning.net -offers graduate level courses and certificates in management and education in partnership with UCLA Extension, University of San Diego Continuing Education, and Andrews University
“We are delighted to be working with Blackboard as our strategic partner for delivering a robust e-Education environment to our students,” said Paula Singer president and CEO of Sylvan’s Online Higher Education division. “Our criteria for adopting a commercial e-Education software package were pedagogical effectiveness, demonstrated scalability, and the ability to better manage our overall technology costs while growing enrollments. Given their track record and reputation, Blackboard was the natural choice.”
The decision to standardize on Blackboard for all postsecondary e-Learning units expands a working relationship that began almost two years ago with OnlineLearning.net. More than 2,196 courses serving 3,100 students are already delivered through Blackboard. Additionally, Sylvan is also represented on Blackboard’s Product Advisory Board.
“Sylvan has moved quickly to establish itself as a leader in the post-secondary education market and we are pleased to enable their initiatives,” said Steve Hoffman Blackboard’s president and COO. “We have enjoyed great success with several units and appreciate the validation of our work that such a significant contract expansion represents.”
Blackboard’s Corporate Solutions Group
Blackboard’s Corporate Solutions Group is a highly specialized team with expertise in structuring and deploying customized e-Education solutions to the corporate and for-profit education markets. Currently, the Corporate Solutions Group serves the needs of more than 60 Blackboard clients, including DeVry Inc. (NYSE: DV), Gentiva Health Services (NASDAQ: GTIV), ITT Educational Services Inc. (NYSE: ESI), Kaplan Inc. (NYSE: WPO), Mortgage Bankers Association, Pearson Education Inc. (NYSE: PSO), the Public Broadcasting System, Progressive Insurance (NYSE: PGR), and Strayer Education Inc. (NASDAQ: STRA).
