I am very happy to announce that Curverider and Aperto are collaborating on an integration between the Open Source system Elgg and WebCT's product lines.

As is mentioned in the announcement, the collaboration brings together the robust eLearning framework of WebCT with the social networking and blogging tools provided by Elgg.

I am especially pleased that the integration demonstrates how innovation created in the Open Source world can be used in conjunction with products in the commercial space, to create a total solution which benefits the end user.

The integration provides a seamless transition for faculty and students as they navigate between Elgg and WebCT.

To me, the integration opens up a whole world of pedagogical possibilities - instructors can now easily take advantage of some really exciting emerging technologies:

• blogging
  
• podcasting
  
• social networking

Most importantly, Elgg allows instructors and institutions to operate outside the bounds of the individual course or section - learning groups can be created across multiple sections, multiple courses, and even across departments.

Over the coming weeks, I will be discussing how Elgg can be used effectively in conjunction with WebCT, and I would really like to hear from existing WebCT customers on what they are looking for.

I will also be demonstrating this integration at the WebCT European Users Conference in Edinburgh from Feb 27th to March 1st, so please track me down at the conference if you will be attending.

For the Elgg perspective, also have a look at annoucements on their site, and comments from Elgg's Dave Tosh.