VitalSource Building Block for Blackboard Learn
Vital Source Technologies, Ingram Content Group’s e-textbook solution, has announced the general availability of an e-textbook building block that integrates its VitalSource Bookshelf platform with Blackboard Learn, Blackboard's learning management system (LMS).
'Through our work with Vital Source, we are able to deliver practical tools to educators that will help them create a more engaging learning experience,' said Jim Kelly, vice pPresident of business development at Blackboard. 'We are also able give students the ability to interact with the newest media-rich content and learning tools.'
VitalSource says Blackboard Learn is an integrated e-textbook solution that benefits institutions, instructors, and students. In addition to providing single sign-on integration between the two systems, the VitalSource Building Block is the first Blackboard integration for e-textbooks configured to work directly with Blackboard Mobile Learn for iPhone, iPad, Android and Kindle Fire devices.
The company says instructors can search, sample and adopt VitalSource Bookshelf platform e-textbooks and make them available directly for students within their Blackboard Learn course environment with a single click.
Instructors can quickly construct courses, deep link to rich media and interactive learning activities, and annotate and direct students to exact sections of an e-textbook and required readings. Through rich analytic tools, faculty can easily view individual and aggregate class engagement data, and use it to manage successful learning outcomes.
'We are pleased that our VitalSource Building Block will make it easier for teachers and students to find, use and share the newest digital content and tools within their Blackboard Learn courses,' said Kent Freeman, chief operating officer for Vital Source Technologies. 'The direct integration of the VitalSource Bookshelf platform with Blackboard Learn and its on-the-go-access will enhance how educators teach and students learn.'
