Syrtis delivers innovative e-learning and instructional solutions

Syrtis delivers innovative e-learning and instructional solutionsJune 08, 2001Linda Kristensenlgkriste@syr.edu

The formation of a new business unit named Syrtis–Syracuse University Technology-enhanced Instructional Solutions–was formally announced June 4 at a briefing on new SU initiatives in workforce education and training that can contribute to regional economic development. Local business executives, educators and community leaders attended the session. Syrtis provides education and training solutions for organizations by combining expert instructional design with customized content and cutting-edge delivery technologies. Syrtis’ clients include corporations, government organizations, educational institutions and the military. “In today’s rapidly changing business world, employers are learning that their only sustainable competitive advantage is the ability to train, learn and re-train,” says SU Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw. “For organizations to realize the highest possible return on training investments, their educational programs must be tied to sound instructional design and intelligent delivery methods.” Syrtis meets this need with

• Original, technology-enhanced course materials;
• Existing course materials converted to new and extensible formats;
• Revised and enhanced third-party course materials;
• Platform-independent courses developed in a variety of media (CD-ROM, Internet, floppy disk, etc.);
• Program development and curriculum design;
• Web hosting services and learner systems management; and
• Educational technology consulting

Syrtis is a critical step in the strategic planning of SU Continuing Education workforce education services, according to Charles K. Barletta, interim dean of University College. “It helps our University focus on those design and technology issues that are critical to employer-based learning and training–where we build incomparable infrastructure at a competitive price.”

Directing Syrtis’ consulting, design and development team is Stuart C. Williams, who also directs UC’s information systems. He oversees a staff of eight– a core instructional design staff augmented by technical writers, graphics designers and technology experts. Housed at Marshall Square Mall since January, Syrtis is already becoming recognized and respected for creating innovative instructional design, development and evaluation services in partnership with Fortune 500 corporations, educational institutions, government and industry-leading courseware producers. Further information is available at the Web site: http://syrtis.syr.edu. Syrtis represents a synergetic collaboration of two SU organizations with distinguished histories of creative approaches to learning: UC and the School of Education’s instructional design, development and evaluation department (IDD&E). It draws on the combined strength and resources of both. Business, government, and academic leaders have been trained in educational technology and instructional systems since 1948. According to IDD&E chair J. Michael Spector, the cutting edge curriculum and state-of-the-art research and development laboratory provide a unique environment for fostering advanced learning methods in a variety of settings, using a variety of media. The Continuing Education division has 83 years experience offering innovative educational programs to working adults and more than 30 years experience in applying practical instructional design to programs serving distance education students, most recently using the Internet. UC’s experience complements IDD&E’s research-based expertise and the knowledge of the faculty. Syrtis serves as a laboratory for IDD&E students, educators and researchers, while they provide Syrtis with added staff, an increased depth of knowledge and the benefit of advanced directed research. Formalizing the relationship will be a shared Professor of Practice who will have operational responsibilities in Syrtis and professional responsibilities in the School of Education. A search has begun to fill that position. The Syrtis logo, designed by SUCE’s marketing communications department, is a stylized depiction of planets and satellites, featuring most prominently a red sphere superimposed on a larger sphere of orange, the official color of SU. This symbolizes the confluence of Syrtis and its parent organization, Syracuse University.