Echo360 Tackles Distance Learning and Over Enrollment Challenges With Live Webcasting

DULLES, VA--(Marketwire - Jul 11, 2012) - Echo360, the global leader in blended learning and lecture capture solutions, today announced the availability of EchoSystem 5.1. The latest release of the award-winning platform includes new capabilities that enable institutions to reach more students via distance and blended learning courses while delivering improved intelligence through student usage metrics. Live webcasting, integrated Google Analytics and new student study tools through the EchoCenter are just three of the features available with EchoSystem 5.1.

EchoSystem Live webcasting is especially beneficial for higher education institutions looking to launch and expand distance learning programs, ensure academic continuity during unanticipated emergencies, or address shortages of physical classroom space. Institutions can use the EchoSystem SafeCaptureHD appliance to simultaneously stream and record audio, video, and rich media presentations to remote students in real time. An integrated chat platform engages students by fostering interaction with instructors and other course participants.

Institutions now have improved insight into how and where students are using the EchoSystem system with viewing statistics through Google Analytics. Colleges and universities can monitor student viewing behavior, location, how they connect, and which browser and mobile technologies are used. Institutions gain a thorough understanding of how and where students are using blended learning content, particularly on mobile devices, while providing system administrators with additional data for infrastructure and technology support planning.

EchoSystem 5.1 also includes a new EchoCenter dashboard that makes it easier for students and instructors to reference their online materials. Aggregated notes, analytics, bookmarks and discussion threads are integrated within the lecture recording and available in one central location. In addition to organizing content and online study tools, the updated EchoCenter also functions as students' launch pad for accessing live webcasts.

"Blended learning combines the best of online learning with face-to-face instruction," said Fred Singer, CEO of Echo360. "Live webcasting and the enhancements of EchoSystem 5.1 give higher education institutions even more options to deliver their content to students, no matter where they are located. Echo360 increases student engagement and helps their instructors teach through a collaborative and comprehensive blended learning platform."

The announcement was made at BbWorld 2012 which is underway now at the New Orleans Convention Center. Show attendees may visit Echo360 booth #434 to preview the features. In addition, Echo360 is capturing BbWorld 2012 conference sessions in six rooms.

Echo360
More than one million students in 6,000 classrooms at 500 institutions across 30 countries rely on Echo360 technology to enhance their educational experience. Echo360 digitally records and shares instructional content live and on demand, allowing institutions to reach more students while lowering costs. Through Echo360, students engage with their peers through collaborative tools and review information from instructors online, at their convenience and across various devices. The company has been recognized with a Product Line Strategy of the Year Award from Frost & Sullivan, is CSIA-certified for outstanding customer service, and was named a Visionary Vendor in Educational Technology by IT research firm Basex. Echo360 is backed by Revolution Growth led by Steve Case, Ted Leonsis and Donn Davis.