State partners with Blackboard to expand education

As the popularity of the Internet continues to grow through many non-academic sites and programs, one state is looking to capitalize on the power of the Web to expand education.

New Mexico has recently announced its partnership with Blackboard, a provider of online platforms and resources for various communities, with a focus on education. Through Blackboard, the state will launch a statewide e-learning platform to support the education of K-20, adult education and government communities.

With the platform, all levels of educators can offer online courses and tutoring to provide a wider audience with more accessible educational opportunities. The education initiative will feature a cyber academy that includes high school, college, and university courses from institutions across New Mexico that could bolster the percentage of high school and college graduates in the state.

The increased access will also allow government employees and adult learners to experience a more advanced method of training. All together the program is estimated to have the potential to reach 500,000 students of varied age levels and needs.

While some states have implemented K-20 systems, the initiative’s widespread and connected system should put New Mexico’s education system ahead of other US states through its technological innovation. It aims to improve access, achievement, and competitiveness in education.

The partnership with Blackboard is part of the Innovative Digital Education and Learning in New Mexico (IDEAL-NM) initiative, created by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. Its goal is to improve the state’s economy through support and expansion of education at all levels.

The e-learning initiative will replace 22 technology systems with one comprehensive platform that will allow employees, students, and educators from all over the state access to resources and one another.

This system is not only beneficial because it can be accessed from home, and at each person’s convenience, but also because it will allow members of the community in underprivileged areas, with less training and education access to the best resources the state has available.