A decade ago distance learning was experimental at best. Only a few courses were offered online, instructors were often slow to respond, and at the end of it, there was always the chance that employers would scoff at your credentials. With faster internet connections and accredited institutions embracing online education, a lot has changed since then. Distance learning service provider 2tor hopes to shift the paradigm even further. Judging by the $10 million dollar Series A round they've just closed with RedPoint Ventures, Novak Biddle and City Light Capital, they're poised to build something substantial.
2tor aims to provide universities with tools, recruiting and resources to offer quality online education to top-tier universities. The company is an outsourced operations, HR, admissions and student support team for distance learning environments. Some unique services include online applications support, web-based curriculum development, student counseling, candidate placement and of course, the technical support to provide a web classroom. Essentially, the company is offering universities a chance to concentrate on teaching, rather than the operational and administrative tasks that accompany synchronous technology. And if you've ever done a distance learning course, you'll understand that many institutions of higher learning just aren't great at lesson delivery outside of their hallowed halls.
2tor's first partnership is educating educators with the University of Southern California's Rossier School of Education Masters of Arts in Teaching program. The company will provide an interactive learning experience with USC's curriculum in an accelerated 12-month program.
Students gain access to forums and a virtual classroom complete with audio, video and blog content. Additional features include video chat with peers and professors, unlimited access to lecture materials and office hours via video and whiteboard. Student's record field work experiences as video files and are critiqued on these efforts as well as online surveys. The program will also offer teachers a Certification Map resource to help them better prepare for state-specific teaching certifications. In the future, 2Tor plans to use its additional funding to continue to build partnerships and create additional programs.
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