IBM has launched its newly formed e-learning solutions business unit, IBM Mindspan Solutions, providing customers with the capability to plan for, create and deploy e-learning solutions based on Lotus LearningSpace 4.0. IBM Mindspan Solutions delivers a full array of e-learning solutions including planning and design services, content capabilities, technologies and delivery capabilities.
This new way of learning combines IBM Learning Services` designing and implementing learning solutions with Lotus technology. LearningSpace 4.0 is an integrated and flexible e-learning technology platform, which offers self-paced, collaborative and real-time learning as well as tracking and management capabilities all in one technology environment.
"Effective learning occurs in various ways. By providing self-paced, collaborative and real-time delivery capabilities, organisations can match content with the most effective delivery mode, and thereby carry out their strategic e-learning initiatives more effectively and efficiently," says Lesego Tlhabanelo, marketing communications manager at Lotus Development SA.
Ilse Cilliers, GM of IBM software SA, says their experience in the e-learning marketplace has taught them three things: "Customers demand an integrated solution as opposed to smaller components they have to piece together themselves, and because effective learning requires various learning modes, customers want flexible technology platforms that support these delivery modes. Finally, customers want solutions that provide measurable business results."
Unlike many of the "point-solutions" in the marketplace today, IBM Mindspan Solutions provides not only a comprehensive set of e-learning capabilities but also service practitioners who are skilled in delivering e-learning solutions world-wide.
E-learning is focused specifically on the delivery of learning content via all electronic media including the Internet, intranet, extranet, satellite, broadcast, audio/videotape, interactive TV and CD-ROM. "This is in direct contrast with distance learning, which includes text-based learning and courses conducted via written correspondence," says Cilliers.
This product includes Web lecture services, an IBM library of content, off-the-shelf third party content, LearningSpace 4.0, integration services, Lotus LearningSpace Quickstart, authoring tool suites, and content migration services
Tlhabanelo says with enterprises now looking beyond initial pilots to address mission-critical learning initiatives, there is a unique opportunity to present the market with an end-to-end solution. "Customers want vendors that will not only enable transformation, but in addition work with them every step of the way to help them achieve their e-learning goals."
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