Saw this and was wondering what (if any) impact this will have on Moodle. . .
Blackboard Awarded Patent on E-Learning Technology <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Blackboard Inc. has announced that it has been issued a <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />U.S. patent for technology used for internet-based education support systems and methods. According to a press release, the patent 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 U.S. 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, and provides the advanced functionality enjoyed by millions of Blackboard users worldwide.
"For nearly a decade, Blackboard has been a thought leader in the e-Learning industry and has developed products that have helped to fundamentally alter how educational institutions and their educators teach and communicate with students," said the CEO of Blackboard Michael Chasen. "Our leadership in technology gave rise to innovations in our products which advanced e-Learning around the world and many of those innovations are now also embodied in our patent. We are committed to continuing the development of technologies which will enable educators to fully harness the potential of the internet to enhance the educational experience within their institutions," he added.
