Virtual Ashridge increases use of online learning

04 Nov 2011

by: Margaret Snell

Ashridge Business School has overhauled and expanded its virtual learning centre with the help of 2e2.

Ashridge runs executive courses from its premises in Hertfordshire and Central London, and offers clients access to different types of learning resources in both physical and electronic forms.

2e2 were engaged by Ashridge in the summer of 2009 to help refresh the underlying technology of its virtual learning resource centre (VLRC), the platform used to deliver electronic learning resources to individuals and corporations.

The joint team of 2e2 and Ashridge developers used Microsoft’s SharePoint platform to create the new Virtual Ashridge learning platform.

The platform allows Ashridge to create, manage and present personalised content for students. The speed with which the content is produced has improved and the flexibility of SharePoint’s WebParts allows feature rich components to be deployed in a variety of ways. According to the business school, Virtual Ashridge strengthens its ability to provide learning solutions that are customised to the needs of organisations and personalised by individuals.

Virtual Ashridge has now been rolled out to Ashridge’s client base and they claim that for one client it has led to a fourfold increase in usage of online learning resources. It has also increased the return on investment that Ashridge achieves through the electronic provision of learning resources and learning environments.

Tony Sheehan, learning dervices director at Ashridge Business School, said: “The Virtual Ashridge project has been a great success. The 2e2 team have a refreshingly open and honest approach, and through close partnership working with our own internal team we have been able create a powerful and flexible platform for delivery of learning solutions.

“SharePoint has given the team the tools and building blocks they’ve needed to respond to and pre-empt client needs and provide a fully customisable solution in a short space of time”.



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