Blackboard Executives

Supporting IMS Global Learning Consortium Boards

Lake Mary, FL (USA) August 2007 - IMS Global Learning Consortium (IMS GLC) has selected two Blackboard executives to serve on its boards. Blackboard's President and CEO, Michael Chasen, was appointed to the organization's Executive Strategic Council. Blackboard's President of North America Higher Education and Operations, Peter Segall, was elected to its Board of Directors.



IMS GLC is a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to developing and promoting the adoption of open technical specifications for interoperable learning technology. In their roles with IMS GLC, Chasen and Segall will bring extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise on global learning challenges and best practices in the use of technology in education.

"At IMS Global Learning Consortium, our goal is to continue to raise the bar on the expectations for the learning impact possible through use of technology," said Rob Abel, Chief Executive of IMS GLC. "As we stress the relevance of educational innovation and strategic thought in shaping the global industry, IMS GLC is pleased to have Michael and Peter join us in supporting the mission of developing standards to enhance education innovation around the world."

Blackboard has a long, productive history of working with the IMS GLC. This year marks a decade since Blackboard began its relationship with the organization, demonstrating Blackboard's commitment to developing standards for the use of technology in education.

Blackboard is an active participant on the IMS Common Cartridge specification working group, an important initiative to develop a specification enabling portability of course content across Course Management Systems and other delivery platforms.

In addition, Blackboard actively participates in the IMS Learning Tools Interoperability and IMS Enterprise Services working groups. The goals of these specifications center on data interoperability amongst learning tools, course management systems, and student information systems.

"It's a privilege to be appointed to IMS's Executive Strategic Council," said Chasen. "IMS as an organization has been instrumental in establishing interoperability for learning systems and content both nationally and worldwide. The Council provides an excellent opportunity to guide IMS priorities and identify the challenges facing the education industry."

"The IMS Board of Directors, whose members are elected by IMS Contributing Members, aims to advance technology in education and serves as a powerful voice in education leadership," said Segall. "I'm looking forward to examining trends and strategies in emerging technologies and encouraging implementation of services that accelerate improved learning."