Pearson Adds Mobile App, Social Media Integration to OpenClass

Pearson will be showcasing three solutions this week at Educause 2012 in Denver, CO. The products aim to foster personalized education and access to Open Educational Resources (OER).

Pearson has partnered with Gooru, a search engine for learning materials, to create Project Blue Sky, a new cloud-based service that enables instructors to access Open Educational Resources. Pearson will use Gooru's search function to create applications that integrate OER with "faculty created and premium Pearson content," according to a statement released Monday by the company. Under the new service, instructors can publish custom curriculum to a number of learning management systems, including OpenClass and LearningStudio, both owned by Pearson. Project Blue Sky is expected to launch, in beta, spring 2013.

The company will also debut new features of its cloud-based learning management system OpenClass. The new features include mobile applications, a new user interface, and integration with social networks. Pearson plans to launch OpenClass Exchange, an online portal offering educational resources, including OER, later this year. Open Class is available to educators, students, and institutions at no charge.

Equella 6 is the latest release of Pearson's digital repository that enables "users to search, create, and manage content online." The new version includes the Equella Content Exchange, a free online destination housing OER resources; upgraded user interface; and mobile application for tablets.

Pearson's solutions will be on display at booth #1423, starting Tuesday and running through Friday.

About the Author

Kanoe Namahoe is online editor for 1105 Media's Education Group. She can be reached at [email protected].

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