10th October 2006

Tata Interactive Systems discusses key e-learning issues at the Tata Interactive Learning Forum 2006

The global e-learning producer, Tata Interactive Systems (TIS), has held the latest in its worldwide series of 'Tata Interactive Learning Forums' - in New York (on 28th September) and in Chicago (on 2rd October).

The Tata Interactive Learning Forum (TLF), now in its third year, is where thought leaders and decision makers in the training and education industry from across the globe come together to gain new perspectives on learning, share success strategies, as well as network informally with other industry leaders. Attendance at these events is strictly by invitation only.

Traditionally, the US TLF focuses on higher education and corporate training. Topics under discussion included:

• Performance support: connecting knowledge, performance and technology

• The learning ecology matrix: learning for the 21st century organisation

• Making online learning more engaging

• The future for corporate universities

Delegates also heard case studies, including those from Northwest Airlines and the Caterpillar University.

Speakers in the Corporate track included: Carol Silk, CLO of NewYork Presbyterian Hospital; Corinne Miller, Director of Training at Motorola University; Steven Smith, Manager of Strategy and Technical Projects at Northwest Airlines, and Gary Dickelman, President and CEO EPSScentral and Faculty, George Mason University. In the Education track, the speakers included Craig Swenson, Provost of Western Governors University; Jeff Schultz of McGraw-Hill Higher Education Online, and Kip Becker, Chairman of the Department of Administrative Sciences at Boston University.


"As technological and economic changes continue to redefine the dynamics of learning, there are more questions than there are answers," commented Manoj Kutty, TIS's worldwide president of sales and marketing. "This TLF addressed some of these critical issues, including:

• Is just-in-time training possible?

• What are the challenges posed by an increasingly diverse workplace?

• How do you meet growing compliance challenges in the global environment?

• Is learning innovation the key to success?

• What will the changing demographics and outsourcing trends mean for higher education?

"At TIS, we believe that learning is an on-going process and it is this passion that finds expression in the TLF," Kutty added. "Our spirit flows from this belief and is embodied in the slogan: 'Interact. Innovate. Inspire.'"

TLF delegates were also given free access to a half-day workshop which examined multiplayer simulation products which were new to the US market. In particular, they examined the TOPSIM product suite - which models real industries and simulates complex corporate decision-making scenarios to help people make better decisions. Those participating in the workshop particularly commended that the opportunity for hands-on experience of the TOPSIM software was exceptionally valuable.


TIS plans to hold a variant of the TLF solely focused on learning disabilities - called the Tata Interactive Learning Disabilities Forum (TLDF) later this year. For updates on forthcoming TLF events, please visit www.tatainteractive.com.



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Notes for editors


About Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) 
Tata Interactive Systems (TIS) is a global pioneer in e-learning, with more than 15 years of experience in designing and developing innovative and cutting-edge e-learning solutions. TIS is a part of the $18 billion Tata Group - one of the largest and most trusted business conglomerates in India. 

TIS employs a global team of over 900 multi-disciplinary specialists - a unique mix of project managers, software engineers, instructional designers, content developers, visual designers and animators. Its service bouquet includes Simulations, Systems Training, New Hire Training, Business Processes and Skills Training, Regulatory and Compliance Training, Sales and Customer Service Training, Adaptive Assessments, Story-based Learning Objects, M-Learning and EPSS. TIS also has a K12 math practice and a K12 content practice, as well as having substantial experience in developing learning content and tools across keystages and subject areas.

Powered by creative talent, sound processes and technological excellence, TIS has developed e-learning solutions for more than 300 clients - including 50 Fortune 500 companies - across the US, the UK, Australia, Mainland Europe, Japan, UAE and India. Its client roster includes leading corporations, renowned educational institutions and government bodies such as American Airlines, British Airways, Citibank, Colgate-Palmolive, ExxonMobil, GE, GlaxoSmithKline, HP, McGraw-Hill, ntl, Orange, Pearson Education, Qantas, Qwest, Royal Mail, Swiss Re, UNICEF, University of Phoenix, University of Maryland and Vodafone, along with Hodder, Oxford University Press, Granada Learning, Nelson Thornes, Research Machines PLC, Compass Learning, Florida Virtual School, Harcourt, Prentice Hall and, in the government sector, BECTA, UFI and DODEA. 

Apart from holding ISO 9001 certification, TIS is the only e-learning organisation in the world to be assessed at Level 5 in both the SEI-CMM and P-CMM frameworks. TIS’s quest for excellence is reflected in numerous prestigious industry awards, including a Silver - Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Award 2005 and 2004, APEX 2005 Award of Excellence, BETT 2004 Best Product Award, and 2 Business World-NID Design Excellence awards. 

For more information log on to www.tatainteractive.com

About the Tata Group 
The Tata Group, established in 1904 by the great visionary Jamsetji Tata, is one of Indias largest and most trusted business houses. The group pioneered the industrial revolution in India by founding, among other things, the first steel plant, power plant and chain of luxury hotels. 

The Group employs more than 330,000 people in 91 companies across diversified industry sectors including steel, automobiles, cement, telecom and IT. Generating revenues to the tune of £7bn per year  2.6 per cent of Indias total GDP  it is recognised as a leader in several industry segments such as such as steel, power, software exports and chemicals. It is also the parent company to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Asias largest software producer. 

Further information from:
Alan Samuel, Tata Interactive Systems, 020 7905 0156, www.tatainteractive.com