Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Colleges eye LMS patent fight.

eLearning patent awarded to Blackboard Inc. draws ire of competitors, schools From eSchool News!

Learning management systems (LMS) provider Blackboard Inc. has sued a smaller business rival over a patent it was issued in January covering its LMS technology. The patent, and subsequent lawsuit, have significant implications for the future of eLearning at colleges and universities nationwide. Critics say Blackboard's patent is overly broad and could stifle innovation in the eLearning industry.

To read this entire article click here.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

New freight broker training course to be released this fall!

Gatlin Education Services announced today it has reached an agreement with Brooke Transportation Training Solutions (BTTS) to begin offering a freight broker / freight agent online career training course beginning this fall. The course will be offered exclusively through Gatlin’s partnership with major colleges and universities.

The program will provide students with the necessary skills to succeed in the freight brokerage and logistics business. Freight Brokering is currently one of the top home-based businesses as well as the largest growing sector of the transportation industry, according Entrepreneur Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.

“BTTS reminds us of ourselves in that they are forward thinking and respected in their industry,” said Stephen Gatlin, founder of Fort Worth-based Gatlin Education Services. “It’s really a classic win-win situation. We did our homework and believe BTTS is the best in the business. We are looking forward to a strong partnership and providing students with the most comprehensive education possible.”

Designed by successful freight brokers, the course prepares students to be the dealmaker between manufacturers who need goods moved and truckers who can move those goods. The instruction includes licensing, operations, job requirements, transportation industry trends and prospects(?), legal issues, benefits, ensuring cash flow, finding shippers, and more. Upon completion of the course, participants will be ready to join the $400 billion-plus shipping industry.

Freight brokerage is an ideal business for truck drivers who want to advance in the industry, entrepreneurs in search of a profitable home business and military veterans, who are provided government subsidies to take the training.

“The fact that Gatlin chose us to work with is an honor,” said BTTS President Jeff Roach. “Freight broker professionals are in high demand, because regardless of the economy, goods will always need to be shipped. A motivated and disciplined freight broker or freight agent with proper training can build up a very lucrative business. If you’re a self-starter who enjoys fast-paced work, you’re perfect for freight brokering. You’ll just need a little guidance, which is where we come in.”

Established in 1989 by Stephen Gatlin, Gatlin Education Services is the largest provider of Web-based, instructor-supported training to community colleges and universities. Gatlin’s courses are open enrollment, allowing interested students to start their desired training immediately. Gatlin’s online career training courses are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations.

Brooke Transportation Training Solutions (BTTS) prides itself in delivering the nation’s premier freight broker training. BTTS prepares students to succeed in the freight brokerage industry, as well as in life, by arming them with intense training, motivation and invaluable freight broker and transportation industry contacts.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

$1.3 Billion Dollars slated for vocational education.

excellence reported, "lawmakers have approved a bill that guarantees federal support for vocational education through 2012, stymieing White House efforts to funnel the $1.3 billion that goes toward voc-ed programs each year into other areas. That's good news for the roughly 15 million students who take voc-ed classes, many of which increasingly rely on technology to prepare students for 21st-century careers".

Each year hundreds of students eligible for this type of assistance take Gatlin Education Services courses. If you are a Gatlin partner educational education institution and you seeking new avenues for reaching students in your community, contacting your local vocational rehabilitation office is a great way to serve these students in your community.