Some professors are no longer be using Blackboard, the current learning management system of choice for ACU.

The transition away from Blackboard and into Pearson’s OpenClass will be in full effect by fall of 2013.

According to Pearson’s website, “OpenClass is a dynamic, scalable, fully cloud-based learning environment that stimulates social learning and enables the distribution of content at massive scale to students wherever they are.”

Adrian Sannier, vice president of product for Pearson eCollege, approached Kevin Roberts, chief information officer of the university, when Pearson first decided to develop OpenClass to discuss involving ACU in the development of the product.

Before an official decision was made, a group of staff members, faculty, and IT professionals evaluated the options, including Blackboard, OpenClass and other viable options for a learning management system.

Pearson invited ACU, along with other schools such as Rice University, Columbia University, and Arizona State, to be design partners for the product.

“OpenClass represents kind of a latest and greatest technology program,” Roberts said. “Because it’s a brand new product, Pearson was able to build it on the latest technology.”

Along with the appeal of the technology aspect of OpenClass, the fact that it is a free service was another factor in the decision to switch.

“The combination of those two things is kind of what drove us to the switch. It was certainly not money driven,” Roberts said. “That wasn’t the reason we did it, but we can’t pretend that wasn’t a factor either.”

Approximately 15 to 20 classes started using OpenClass last spring and 35 classes are using it this semester. More classes will be added next semester and it will be fully implemented in the fall of 2013.

According to an article from the Chronicle of Higher Education, Matt Leavy, chief executive of Pearson eCollege, said “We are committed to providing a platform that is open to integration at many levels – including student information systems.”

For more information about the new learning management system, visit their website at www.openclass.com or visit Pearson’s website at www.pearson.com.