Document Imaging Partnership Eliminates Paper For LMS

By Karla Paris

A sharp focus on learning results aids in the growth of eLearning.

In recent years, the many benefits of eLearning have increased its popularity in both educational and business settings. In 2011, it was estimated that almost $35.6 billion was spent on self-paced eLearning across the globe. Today, e-Learning is a $56.2 billion industry – and that is projected to double by 2015.

As technology has advanced, so has the world of eLearning, making the effectiveness and convenience of Learning Management Systems even more beneficial for students and employees. Thanks to cloud-based learning management systems, todays instructional designers have the ability to create courses that are more cost efficient and accessible.

Blackboard, teaching and learning management solution provider, has partnered with Ricoh Americas Corporation to streamline the movement of educational materials, tests, assignments, and other content into and out of its Blackboard's solutions.

The new partnership, announced at EDUCAUSE 2014, is the first between a major document imaging vendor and Blackboard. It includes a technology integration initiative designed to tackle pressing challenges students, educators, and institutions face today.

During EDUCAUSE 2014, Ricoh demonstrated a new ability to scan paper documents on a multifunction product (MFP) and have them automatically flow to a student or faculty member's Blackboard Learn account via Ricoh's Integrated Cloud Environment (ICE).

Blackboard Learn LMS technology makes learning more effective in and beyond traditional educational boundaries. Blackboard Learn is designed with the student in mind and delivers educators:

• global navigation that puts grades and assignments just a click away
• updates and notifications that keep students informed of due dates and events
• collaborative spaces that keep students and educators in touch with its academic community
• mobile capabilities that let students learn anywhere

Paired with Blackboard, Ricoh's Integrated Cloud Environment lets users enhance Ricoh MFP with improved scanning, OCR file conversion, document delivery, and mobile printing as cloud services. "Our work with Ricoh will seamlessly extend the Blackboard learning environment to the world of hard copy capture and distribution while preserving the signature fluidity of our technology," said Kathleen Vieira, Vice President, Business Development, Blackboard. "The goal is a streamlined experience and, as always, a sharp focus on learning results."

SOURCE: PRNewswire