Yale Pilots Digital Media Integration with Sakai
Yale University is piloting a new program that brings integration between its open-source learning management system, Sakai, and its digital asset and digital rights management system, C-Labs from Cdigix. Yale has used the Web-based DAM/DRM tool since 2004 to deliver online digital media to students in about 400 courses.
C-Labs is an online tool that allows students and faculty to post and view (or listen to) digital media with the aim of complying with copyright restrictions. To this end, it provides digital rights management functionality, including encryption, licensing, distribution, and authentication.
Integration with Sakai allows students to view assigned media for a course and download it directly through the LMS.
"As one of the early adopters, I believe this integration tool enhances both the teaching and learning process," said Michael Kerbel, director of the Film Study Center at Yale University, in a statement released Monday. "Not only do I have the opportunity to complement existing curriculum with an added wealth of resources, but my students can easily take advantage of content directly from within Sakai. This tool is an asset in improving student productivity."
The integration, according to Cdigix, was made possible through the C-Labs API, which was customized to suit Yale's particular Sakai implementation. The integration tool is included with the C-Labs platform.
"The initial tests of the Sakai integration tool have been successful, and we're thrilled to provide our users with easier, integrated access to their course materials," said Chuck Powell, senior director of Academic Media & Technology at Yale University, also in a statement released Monday. "We're grateful to Cdigix for its willingness to create a tool that supports teaching and learning anytime, anywhere."
Yale said it expects to deploy the integrated solution widely beginning in fall 2008. Further information about Sakai/C-Labs integration can be found here.
About the Author
David Nagel is editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Technology Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal and STEAM Universe. A 29-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.
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