Ingram Content Group announced the general availability of an e-textbook Building Block that integrates its VitalSource Bookshelf platform with Blackboard Learn. The Building Block provides a single sign-on for the two systems and is configured to work directly with Blackboard Mobile Learn on iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices.
“Through our work with Vital Source, we are able to deliver practical tools to educators that will help them create a more engaging learning experience. We are also able to give students the ability to interact with the newest media-rich content and learning tools,” said Jim Kelly, v-p of business development at Blackboard. Added Kent Freeman, COO of Vital Source Technologies, “the direct integration of the VitalSource Bookshelf platform and Blackboard Learn and its on the-go-access will enhance how educators teach and students learn.”
Instructors can search, sample, and adapt VitalSource Bookshelf platform e-textbooks and make them available to students within their Blackboard Learn Course environment. With the VitalSource Building Block, students can access interactive e-textbooks that offer integrated notes and note sharing, highlight features, and annotation. The platform provides portability online and offline and syncs across devices. Institutions that include textbooks as part of tuition can place e-textbooks directly into Blackboard Learn courses. A student-purchase option enables instructors at other institutions to make e-textbooks available for purchase or rental from within the Blackboard Learn course environment.
