Firm invests £850,000 in tools for eLearning

Mar 12 2008 by Aled Blake, Western Mail

TEACHING and learning technology venture CDSM is investing £850,000 in its products in a move to consolidate its market position.

The business, with headquarters in Swansea, develops and sells interactive eLearning tools and a virtual learning environment to schools, colleges and public sector learning organisations, and is looking ahead to 2010 when the Welsh Assembly Government will make investment decisions in this area.

The company has developed an eLearning content development tool called Pedagogue and a learning platform called My Learning Space to provide a stimulating, interactive learning experience for pupils, and easy-to-use support tools for teachers and trainers.

CDSM’s turnover stands at around £1m and it has 16 staff. Its applications enable collaboration among all stakeholders in a learner’s academic career or training path.

Dan Sivak, the company’s managing director, said, “CDSM’s interactive content authoring tool, Pedagogue, is already the UK’s market leader.

“The investment will be used to enhance the product’s usability and promote its benefits throughout the world of education and training.

“Kids and technology go together, we know that from our experience. We are the market leader in this area, and this investment will enable CDSM to reach new territories and markets.

“Whether you are a commercial corporate, or a local authority with continuing professional development requirements, if learning and development is a key value in your organisation, it is likely CDSM’s products and services will be of use to you.”

Around £750,000 has been committed to development in recent years, and the new investment of £100,000 comprises £50,000 from UK Steel Enterprise and the same amount from Finance Wales.

The deal represents second- round funding from Corus subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise, who saw the company’s potential five years ago when the firm – and eLearning – was a relatively young industry. CDSM was advised by accountants and business advisers Broomfield & Alexander.

Andy Morris, of UK Steel Enterprise, said, “I am pleased we have been able to offer ongoing support to CDSM. It underlines our policy of keeping in close contact with client firms, so we are ready to provide added support swiftly, when they need it to take advantage of opportunities.”

CDSM is aiming to use its technology to enable collaborative and active learning and training experiences to their end-users.

Mr Sivak said, “We believe online participation and interactive collaboration can enable learners of all ages to develop in a way and at a pace that is suitable for them and their organisation.

“New social web applications like Facebook and MySpace are showing us that the power and influence of the community can engage millions of people. It is an important lesson that CDSM is putting into practice now.

CDSM has gained web accreditation from the charity, Shaw Trust, which helps disabled people find work. The Shaw Trust web accreditation assesses the accessibility of organisations’ website content and applications, including eLearning material. Its customers include Coca Cola, The Treasury, Welsh Assembly Government, HBOS and Legal & General.

Mr Sivak said, “The Disability Discrimination Act is quite clear. If companies and organisations – and this includes schools and colleges – fail to make reasonable adjustments to make their goods and services available to all their customers, patients or pupils, then prosecution is a distinct possibility.

“There is no doubt that eLearning has massive potential in this country. We are planning significant expansion over the next three years on the back of this investment, which will enable us to promote our products and services to a significantly wider audience.”