Seattle — High-tech and higher ed came together here on Tuesday, and course-management software companies are already skirmishing in the exhibitor’s hall at the big Educause conference, struggling for market share under the harsh fluorescent lights.
The big target is Blackboard, of course, which dominates this segment of the education market. The company seems to have the biggest booth, too, of all the learning-management firms. But a room away, Angel Learning is scrambling for a competitive edge. “We’re kind of the upstarts,” says Nancy Schmutzler, senior marketing-communication specialist. “Plus, we’re the only one with agents.” Angel’s agents can be set automatically to check a student’s grade, and send an e-mail message if the grades fall below a certain threshold. (Now if only students would check their e-mail. … )
Desire2Learn officials are also touting their own course-management solutions. And touting the oxygen bar at their booth. They are also skirmishing with Blackboard outside the exhibit hall, with lawyers seeking to collect evidence that the bigger company may be engaging in unfair competitive practices.
This is what happens when you have the biggest booth. You get the most attention. —Josh Fischman
Developing online and blended learning programs requires research and collaboration. Learn how top technology companies are partnering with campuses across the country to advance online learning as it becomes an increasingly important aspect of higher education.