Extended Partnership Brings Benefits of a Holistic, Integrated Approach
The University of Manchester has extended its partnership with Blackboard to support over 40,000 students and staff in achieving better outcomes and attaining educational success. Through this agreement, the University will leverage all of Blackboard’s higher education solutions and services available in the United Kingdom for a more holistic approach to individualised, blended and distance learning.
The partnership is key in supporting the University’s plans to further expand the use of online assessments and move towards the submission and marking of all coursework through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Additionally, the University aims to work towards an efficient and seamless end-to-end assessment workflow between Blackboard solutions, the student information system and other integrated student-facing environments.
“As a global research institution, the University of Manchester is constantly investing in technology solutions that will deliver the high quality learning experience our students need and expect,†said Professor Richard Reece, associate vice president for Teaching, Learning and Students at the University of Manchester.
“Blackboard’s integrated, learner-centric vision perfectly addresses our priorities and long-terms goals, while also ensuring we stay competitive by helping our students and staff unlock their full potential.â€Â
Blackboard has worked with the University of Manchester since 2003 to deliver a complete on-campus and mobile VLE and managed hosting service. Since working with Blackboard, the University has been able to reduce maintenance costs, thereby freeing up resources to support other technology-enhanced initiatives and projects.
“More and more, institutions across the world are looking for a partner that is able to understand their strategic needs and answer their specific requirements, both now and five or ten years down the road,†said Matthew Small, senior vice president and managing director, international at Blackboard.
“The approach of the University of Manchester, along with their focus on student success, runs parallel to how we approach our solutions and services development. There is great synergy and this renewed partnership will help their students and faculty members compete against the very best throughout the world.â€Â
You can find out more information about Blackboard at www.blackboard.com.
