Learning Platforms | News

Echo360 Debuts Active Learning Platform

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 10/01/14

Echo360 has launched the Active Learning Platform, a cloud-based system that incorporates lecture capture, learning analytics, content management and student engagement tools.

For creation of live and on-demand video, the platform's lecture capture tools include classroom and personal capture software and the SafeCapture HD hardware capture appliance. Sessions are automatically shared with students in HTML5 format and can be scheduled in advance to eliminate any worries about forgetting to hit the record button at the beginning of class.

To improve student engagement, the platform allows instructors to "integrate polls, quizzes and other activities into their presentations," according to a news release. Students can also take notes alongside videos, respond in real time, ask anonymous questions, participate in chat forums or bookmark video content for clarification. Student activity is automatically compiled into personal study guides with links to relevant content.

For content management, the platform features the Learning Library, which allows instructors to manage presentations, documents and videos. Content is searchable, filterable and safeguarded via permissions linked to course enrollment. Instructors can create assignments using the library and add content to presentations using a drag and drop interface. Content is also shareable with learning management systems through tools compliant with Learning Tools Interoperability standards.

"The Active Learning Platform captures rich, real-time behavioral data on class attendance and participation as well as results from quizzes and polls, lecture capture usage, time spent studying and more," according to a news release. A learning analytics dashboard offers access to data on individual students, a whole class, a course and even the performance of class content. Other learning analytics tools include daily report cards, customized engagement scores, individual success metrics and "heat maps," which show what points of presentations or lectures students spend the most time reviewing.

"Education institutions are modernizing the classroom but haven't had access to a fully integrated platform that creates actionable student data to improve learning outcomes," said Fred Singer, CEO of Echo360, in a prepared statement. "The Active Learning Platform combines the best of teaching and learning solutions and delivers a level of learning intelligence never before available."

Additional information is available at echo360.com.