Secondment to DISCOVER ELearning Opportunities

Latest mobile computing technology could soon be available to students from the UK; brought to you by Sentient Learning.

(PRWEB) January 16, 2004 --British universities and colleges could soon be using the latest mobile computing technology to break down barriers to learning if a DTI Global Watch Secondment by a leading e-learning company proves successful.

Sentient Learning Ltd, based in Liverpool, has sent Joe Mitchell, its Product Developer Director, on a six-month Secondment to a top American university to explore opportunities for integrating mobile technologies with the companys innovative online learning resource management system, Sentient DISCOVER. More than 30 higher education institutions in the UK are already contracted to use the Sentient DISCOVER software to manage course learning resource materials, but Sentient Learning believes the product would be considerably enhanced by wireless technologies being developed at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Using the right mobile technology platform would enable universities and colleges to extend beyond their campus walls to offer courses to distance learners anywhere in the world, regardless of geographical location.

Sentient chose to send Joe to Drexel because of the universitys expertise in educational technology in the United States. Drexel is known for its ubiquitous computing environment and in 2000 became the first university in America to operate a fully wireless campus. Two years later, the university launched DrexelOne, the first wireless Web portal service for students, extending the campus IT service boundaries to any Web-enabled mobile device, anywhere. Drexels Chief Executive Officer, John Bielec, also ranks among the 100 most influential IT professionals in the USA. While at Drexel, Joe will work with the universitys researchers to acquire knowledge about advanced mobile learning technology. This will enable him to drive forward product development for applications in the UK.

Andy Davidson, Sentients Managing Director, says the company is aiming to develop new products that will become a benchmark within the e-learning field in the UK.

Leading-edge educational technology products are mainly developed in the US and tested in leading universities like Drexel," says Mr Davidson. The Secondment will enable us to identify areas for development while enabling us to evaluate the US and, ultimately, the global market. This in turn will benefit the UK academic community by bringing 'best of breed technologies into the UK earlier. This Secondment is a rare opportunity which any company in the world would relish and it is one not to be missed."

For more information, contact Andy Davidson, Managing Director, Sentient Learning Ltd, on T: 0151 288 1081 or E: andy.davidson@sentientlearning.com Web: www.sentientlearning.com

Notes for Editors
1.   DTI Global Watch Secondments offer small and medium-sized companies in the UK the opportunity to acquire technological knowledge and expertise from overseas organisations. Both outward and inward secondments are available.

2.   Part of the cost of the secondments are met by DTI grants which are made on a competitive basis. This financial support enables companies to make major strategic improvements in their skills, capabilities and competitiveness which would normally be beyond their reach. There is also financial help for language and presentation skills training if required. Further information about DTI Global Watch Secondments can be obtained from the Global Watch Secondments Co-ordinator, Tel: + 44 (0) 1367 245210.

3.   In addition to secondments, the DTI Global Watch service supports a number of international technology programmes. For further information about these services please contact Tanya Allen, Tel: +44 (0) 1664 501501 or visit the Global Watch Online website: www.globalwatchonline.com