Courseware in Context (CWiC) Framework Officially Launches With Expanded Feature Set

BOSTON, MA–(Marketwired – Oct 11, 2016) – Today marks the official launch of the Courseware in Context (CWiC) Framework, a research-based resource to help postsecondary decision-makers navigate the digital courseware market and effectively adopt and implement courseware solutions. The Framework, developed through a collaboration between the Online Learning Consortium (“OLC”) and Tyton Partners, with contributions from SRI International, is an open, field-owned suite of resources designed to help postsecondary decision-makers make informed selections of digital courseware products, and support effective adoption and implementation of these solutions. In particular, the CWiC Framework is intended to:

• Cut through confusing marketing messages by allowing educators to comprehensively compare product features
• Provide insight to the growing body of efficacy research studies related to product capabilities
• Align with other quality frameworks through its availability in easy-to-use modules
• Assist postsecondary decision-makers in discerning what is most important for their consideration given the variety of instructional contexts in which courseware is used

Coursewareincontext.org includes details on the four components of the CWiC Framework — related research collection, institution-level implementation guide, course-level implementation guide, and product taxonomy — as well as three downloadable instruments for in-depth analysis of existing suppliers and best practices for the implementation of digital learning.

Since the release of a pilot version of the Framework earlier this summer, the development partners have collected valuable feedback from a diverse group of individuals and organizations in an effort to augment and improve the resource to facilitate broad adoption of the tool. Based on this feedback, the latest version of the Framework:

• Establishes an Executive Committee to oversee the ongoing improvement and adoption of the Framework
• Includes OLC’s Digital Courseware Facilitation tool to support improved instructional practice
• Outlines related published research identified through a comprehensive literature review from SRI International
• Integrates with interactive evaluation tools via a partnership with Lea®n to leverage its comprehensive, on-demand edtech management system

“Evaluating courseware at critical stages of the adoption and implementation process is critical for scaling digital learning solutions that improve student outcomes,” said Executive Committee member, Tom Cavanagh Associate Vice President of Distributed Learning, University of Central Florida. “The CWiC Framework is an important resource for faculty and administrators who want to know what really has an impact.”

As the context for digital courseware evolves in this dynamic market, so too will the components of the Framework. Feedback from the community of users will guide future iterations and applications of this tool. Those interested are invited to share thoughts on these tools by emailing CWiC@tytonpartners.com, or by joining the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #CWinContext.

Online Learning Consortium
The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) is the leading professional organization devoted to advancing the quality of online learning worldwide. The member-sustained organization offers an extensive set of resources for professional development and institutional advancement of online learning, including, original research, leading-edge instruction, best-practice publications, community-driven conferences and expert guidance. OLC members include educators, administrators, trainers and other online learning professionals, as well as educational institutions, professional societies and corporate enterprises. Visit http://onlinelearningconsortium.org/ for more information.

SRI International
SRI’s Center for Technology in Learning (CTL) improves student learning, enhances teaching effectiveness, develops meaningful assessments, and evaluates program impacts in preschool, K-12 schools, community colleges, and informal settings such as museums. CTL has exceptional capabilities for developing and studying highly innovative teaching and learning approaches that use advanced technology in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); reading and writing; and 21st century skills. Clients include government agencies such as the National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Education, foundations, major corporations, states, and other countries.

Tyton Partners
Tyton Partners is the leading provider of investment banking and strategy consulting services to the global knowledge sector. With offices in Boston and Stamford, CT, the firm has an experienced team of advisors who deliver a unique spectrum of services from strategy and market development decision-support to mergers and acquisitions and capital markets access that helps institutions, companies, organizations, and investors navigate the complexities of the education, media, and information markets. Tyton Partners leverages a deep foundation of transactional and advisory experience and unparalleled level of global relationships to make its clients’ aspirations a reality and catalyze innovation in the sector. For more information, visit tytonpartners.com or follow us @tytonpartners.