LONDON, February 19 /PRNewswire/ --

- Research Reveals the Impact Learning Platforms are Having on Decisions Regarding Content Purchases Within Schools

Over three quarters of ICT advisors in Local Authorities stated that it was very important that the content they purchased or schools' purchased was compatible with learning platforms used, according to new research from Shift Media.

The uptake of learning platforms continues apace in schools across England and Wales. Their implementation is certainly having an impact on the type of content which will be purchased by schools and local authorities, says Shift Media director Jane Powell.

"Local authorities are buying additional content to populate learning platforms, and they not necessarily buying this content in the same formats as before. Compatibility with different learning platforms and demonstrating flexibility in adapting to the requirements of customers in terms of how content is delivered and authenticated will be vital over the next few years," says Powell.

The research also revealed positive news for content providers and publishers with 58% of Local Authorities surveyed buying additional content to populate new learning platforms.

"This research does offer a ray of light to content providers in this sector." says Powell. "The end of the electronic learning credits scheme is expected by many to result in a substantial reduction in spending on electronic resources by schools and this is something we're going to be investigating in more detail later this year. This research shows that at the same time, the introduction of learning platforms may help to stimulate the market for specific types of content, particularly those that are web based and compatible with the most popular learning platforms. Publishers and other content providers will need to be alert to the needs of customers and make sure that their content fits the bill."

Notes to Editors

About Learning Platforms 2007 - 2008

Learning Platforms 2007 - 2008 from Shift Media is the most up-to-date survey of how Learning Platforms are being developed at Local Authority level and what this means for electronic content. It is the most recent piece of Syndicated Business Intelligence from Shift Media.

Decision-makers within 38 local authorities responded to the survey which is accompanied by six depth interviews with decision makers from Local Authorities and Regional Broadband consortia. The findings and recommendations are published in a report available from Shift Media. Areas covered in the report include perceptions of and uptake of different learning platforms, decision making processes, speed of uptake and the impact of uptake on content purchasing.

About Shift Media

Shift Media (http://www.shift-media.co.uk) is a consultancy that specialises in education and learning. It conducts market research and usability testing and creates multimedia materials for publishing companies, corporate universities and the public sector. Its recent clients include Cambridge University Press, Collins, McGraw-Hill Education, Cengage, Collins Education, Oxford University Press and Sage.

Further information:

Jane Powell, Shift Media, +44-(0)20-7253-8959 or +44-(0)797-3481714 jane.powell@shift-media.co.uk.

Further information: Jane Powell, Shift Media, +44-(0)20-7253-8959 or +44-(0)797-3481714, jane.powell@shift-media.co.uk.