20 June 2005

WebEx partners with TheCyberInstitute to create innovative “virtual classrooms”

WebEx Communications Inc., the leading provider of on- demand web communication services and TheCyberInstitute, the e-learning division of the Australian Institute of Management, have partnered to create an innovative and collaborative “virtual classroom”. Using WebEx’s Training Centre, TheCyberInstitute has developed a learning platform that delivers real-time classes, allowing remote students to share documents and interact in a rich learning environment.

“WebEx’s technology delivers huge benefits to our leadership and management courses for people who want to study online from remote locations,” Grant Beevers, TheCyberInstitute’s general manager said.

“In our virtual classrooms, students can share projects they are working on in real-time with their lecturers. For example, if a student is working on a spreadsheet on his computer in regional Queensland, the lecturer in Brisbane can see what he’s doing and make suggestions and corrections.

“In the past, traditional e-learning systems relied on discussion groups, chats, messaging and email for communication between lecturers and students. This often led to delayed response times, difficult communication and limited the possibilities of meaningful interaction. WebEx’s technology creates a dynamic virtual classroom environment that allows real-time interaction between the lecturer and the student.”

WebEx’s technology allows students who are unable to attend a lecture, to log on later and see a recording of the class. They can also sit for online tests, either at the same time as other students or at their own convenience, providing greater flexibility for those students who may be balancing work and study commitments.

Kevin Mackin, managing director of WebEx Australia said, “TheCyberInstitute is one of the few e-learning organisations that leads the way in implementing collaborative, online learning programs. By using WebEx, the leadership team at TheCyberInstitute have demonstrated their commitment to innovative technology that enhances the learning experience for its students.”

TheCyberInstitute also plans to use WebEx’s Meeting Centre to host online seminars and meetings.

“We’ve already conducted one Australian Institute of Management national board meeting online, which saved the organisation around $7,000 in airfares and accommodation costs alone,” said Beevers.

“We will also take advantage of this technology for our own internal training requirements to enhance our rapid content development program, which allows us to place targeted training courses online quicker and with more flexibility than ever before.”

ENDS

About TheCyberInstitute

Established in 1999, TheCyberInstitute is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian Institute of Management and its courses are founded on the broad and proven content of AIM's programs and experience. TheCyberInstitute offers an expansive library of online leadership and management courses for individuals, government and corporates. TheCyberInstitute also develops custom content and digital publishing services, as well as rapid content development solutions for organisations wishing to make their content available online and cost effectively.

Please visit http://www.thecyberinstitute.com.au