The Delhi-based Learningmate recently announced its plans to work with partners to introduce e-learning to teachers in rural and underserved schools in India, parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. World Links will use the Blackboard Learning System MLT (the multi-language edition of the company's course management system) to train teachers in the use of technology and the Internet. Interactive content, realistic scenarios, and collaborative activities are part of the 12-week course, which relies on the Internet, CD-ROM, and a one-day face-to-face seminar. The Blackboard Building Blocks technology enables online peer learning and collaboration as well as offline access to the course content.

The pilot course took place in early 2003. It focussed on curriculum and technology integration in schools throughout India, Ghana, Uganda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia. Learningmate will expand the project to Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with offerings in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Japanese and German.