In yet another attempt for companies to combine their efforts in creating better online education spaces, Moodle and Blackboard have joined forces for the Moodle Project.

“Moodle and Blackboard today announced a new agreement that will secure resources and technology contributions to Moodle, one of the most widely used learning management systems (LMSs) in the world,” according to MoodleNews.

“Later in 2015 Moodle 3.0 was released and the new version brings together features and enhancements including streamlined navigation, useful improvements to activities such as Lesson and Quiz, along with new admin settings that refine the course management process.”

Learning management systems are becoming widely adopted by K-12 institutions because of their ability to combine online learning opportunities with safer communication between students and educators.

“We’re pleased to have an ongoing relationship with a global company like Blackboard,” said Martin Dougiamas, Founder and CEO of Moodle Pty Ltd, according to the release.

“Together with all the Moodle Partners and the rest of the Moodle community, including the newly-launched Moodle Users Association, we will further strengthen Moodle as an extensible open source learning platform and a powerful solution for education providers worldwide.”

Blackboard is an education technology company that caters to both K-12 and higher education institutions.  Blackboard and Moodle have been leading the LMS movement and a partnership between the two companies will encourage the expansion of such tools being used in the classroom.

“Today’s announcement is a great testimony to Blackboard’s continued commitment to Moodle,” said Phill Miller, vice president of Blackboard’s Open Solutions for Moodle product line, according to the release.

“We are really thrilled to continue our partnership with Moodle, and we will continue to provide new resources, extended support and a single dedicated team that will benefit not just Moodlerooms’ customers around the world, but also the wider Moodle community.”

For educators and administrators, the key to transitioning toward the LMS system might begin with working toward seamless integration and choosing user-friendly systems. When systems like this are adopted, most school communities really want to see products that honestly make the lives of students, administrators, and educators easier.

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Article by Navindra Persaud, Education World Contributor