SyberWorks Selected by the American Contract Bridge League to Develop Online Bridge Education Content through the SyberWorks Hosted e-Learning Solution

SyberWorks, a leader in custom e-Learning Solutions and the Learning Management System industry, announced today it has been selected by the American Contract Bridge League to develop online bridge education content and host its online bridge training programs using the SyberWorks Hosted e-Learning Solution.

(PRWEB) May 23, 2005 -- Linda Granell, Director of Marketing for the American Contract Bridge League says, One of the key factors in membership recruitment and retention is the quality of the bridge club directors who oversee the games. A well-trained, highly knowledgeable director is more likely to run games that are both fun and efficient, leading to satisfied players who are more likely to return to the club."

Granell says, Many potential and current directors, however, are unable to take advantage of the education programs we present at our tournaments because of their schedules and other commitments. Web-based learning management systems technology solves this problem because people can access the training from any computer with an Internet connection. Last year, attendance was about 300 for the club director course and 150 for the update course. We were confident that using a web-based learning management system to provide training would help us do a better job in reaching our 3,200 bridge clubs in North America and 5,570 accredited club directors."

Rick Beye, Chief Tournament Director, states, Our rules and regulations change frequently, yet there is no requirement that a club director be re-certified. A director could have passed the exam 10 years ago, never directed a game, and open a club tomorrow. This will be a great way for that director to brush up. Dynamic, engaging online training will make it easier for directors to polish their skills and to be refreshed on the latest changes in the rules and procedures."

Granell continues, We evaluated several vendors and found that the SyberWorks Training Center Hosted e-Learning Solution offers a feature rich environment for a reasonably priced IT infrastructure investment. We felt like they partnered with us right from the start. The staff was zealous in answering all of our questions and responding to our needs, and they continue to do so today. We liked that SyberWorks is a solid company in the e-Learning space. Were even more impressed now that we have experience with the online course development staff."

David Boggs, CEO of SyberWorks, states, We are excited to be working with American Contract Bridge League. This relationship will give our top-notch course development staff an opportunity to showcase their skills by developing fun and interesting online content. We look forward to developing their online library of bridge education content."

About the American Contract Bridge League
The American Contract Bridge League (www.acbl.org) was founded in 1937. Today it is the largest bridge organization in the world, with more than 160,000 members living in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda. A not-for-profit organization, the ACBL determines the recognized rules of bridge, sanctions clubs and tournament games, and encourages participation at all levels of proficiency and experience. The American Contract Bridge League supports 2.5 million tables of bridge in play annually in clubs and tournaments, an additional 200,000 tables online, 3,200 bridge clubs, and 1,100 bridge tournaments annually. The American Contract Bridge League certifies bridge directors, teachers, and player achievement through masterpoints. The American Contract Bridge League sponsors three North American Bridge Championships annually, each attracting up to 8,000 players and the School Bridge Lesson Series Program for more than 4,000 children annually.

The History of Bridge
Bridge traces its origins to the British game of whist, first played in the 16th century. It may be named for the Galata Bridge in Istanbul, which British soldiers crossed during the Crimean War of the 19th century to reach a coffeehouse where they played cards. Contract bridge, as we know it today, began in the 1920s when Harold Vanderbilt came up with the early scoring system.

About SyberWorks
SyberWorks, Inc. (www.syberworks.com) is a leader in the custom e-Learning Solutions and Learning Management System industries for Fortune 1000 corporations, higher education, and other industries. Located in Arlington, Massachusetts, the company serves the expanding 11 Billion dollar e-Learning segment*. Since 1995, SyberWorks has developed and delivered unique and economical solutions to create, manage, measure, and improve e-Learning programs at companies and organizations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the world.

*2003 e-Learning Survey", Taylor Nelson Sofres plc, London, United Kingdom, 2003.

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