Learning Light
Second Floor, Gladstone Building,
1 St James Row, Sheffield, S1 2EU
Tel +44 (0)114 223 2442; Web www.learninglight.com
31st
August 2006
Learning Light (UK) expresses concerns over Blackboard patent
Learning Light (LL), a non-profit organisation seeking to establish
itself as a Centre of Excellence in the use of learning technologies in
the workplace, has expressed concerns over the international
implications of an e-learning related lawsuit in the USA.
News from the USA that Blackboard Inc, a leading provider of enterprise
software and services to the education industry, has been issued a US
patent for technology used for internet-based education support systems
and methods and, subsequently, is suing its competitor, Desire2Learn
has caused concern among the e-learning communities on both sides of
the Atlantic.
The patent in question covers core technology relating to certain
systems and methods involved in offering online education, including
course management systems and enterprise e-learning systems. In
addition, patents corresponding with the US patent have been issued in
Australia, New Zealand and Singapore and are pending in the European
Union, China, Japan, Canada, India, Israel, Mexico, South Korea, Hong
Kong and Brazil.
The patented technology underpins Blackboard's e-learning software
applications, including the Blackboard Learning System, WebCT Vista and
WebCT Campus Edition.
Mark Pittaway, CEO of Learning Light, a non-profit organisation which
is establishing itself as a Centre of Excellence in the use of learning
technologies in the workplace, commented: "Things covered by this
patent include client-server online courses in which users are defined
as either students or instructors, the use of online drop boxes in an
instructional setting, online grade books, online assessments, and many
other common systems and methods that people in higher education and
the corporate sector had used for years before the 30th June 2000
filing date of Blackboard's patent request.
"Such a claim is surprising when there seems to be a large body of
evidence that points against it - as set out, for example, at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_virtual_learning_environments,"
he added. "We would hope that the UK and European patent offices will
recognise this and reject such a claim within Europe."
Other commentators have speculated that, if Blackboard's claims are
upheld, it could prevent the use of open source initiatives such as
Moodle and Sakai, as well as using a blog or wiki with a class of
students. Indeed, they say, simple networking protocols, authentication
practices and the like, if undertaken by a school, could be jeopardised
by this patent.
"With the UK and European e-learning community and market having grown
to its current size - and beginning to deliver significant benefits for
both learners and their employers - it would be disappointing if one
firm's actions were to artificially limit the scope of this industry at
this time," Pittaway commented.
end
Notes for Editors:
About Learning Light Ltd
Learning Light is a non-profit organisation that builds relationships
between learning technology researchers, suppliers, buyers and learners
providing learner-centric information to encourage the growth of
learning technologies. By sharing comprehensive research, highlighting
successes and failures, Learning Light helps to promote the learning
technologies community.
Learning Light provides bespoke and individual services to help both
buyers and suppliers of learning technologies (e-Learning). Its current
services include:
Research Services
Providing access to expert insights, advice and guidance built on
indepth research. Helping organisations to effectively implement
learning technologies (e-Learning) and integrate them within their
workflow processes.
Membership Services
Partnering with leading thinkers in the industry and providing a
network for all interested in the field to share information,
knowledge, insight, experience and expertise, through utilising online
community tools, networking events, conferences and guru seminars.
Professional Services
Our highly experienced team offers organisations access to range of
competitively priced consultancy services supporting buyers with the
effective implementation of their learning technology (e-Learning)
requirements. And, for suppliers, helping to provide a range of
services to assist market awareness and generate growth.
In addition, Learning Light provides a comprehensive Professional
Development programme to help Learning & Development professionals
understand the significance of learning technologies in the workplace
today and how to effectively implement them within the workflow
processes of their organisation.
Sheffield-based Learning Light is supported by Yorkshire Forward, the
regional development agency for Yorkshire, and the Humber and Objective
1 South Yorkshire.
Further information from:
Mark
Pittaway/ Kay Simpson, Learning Light, 0114 201 5703
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, 01727 860405
www.learninglight.com