from DSSResources.comNewly integrated Oracle Academy Program benefits students and academic institutions worldwideREDWOOD SHORES, Calif., Oct. 12, 2006 -- Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL) today announced that it will combine its two world-class information technology education programs-the Oracle Academy and the Oracle Academic Initiative -- into one comprehensive offering called the Oracle Academy. This innovative program will benefit educators and students worldwide, allowing for broader choice and increased flexibility in curricula and educational offerings. In addition, the integration of these two programs, which currently reach over 300,000 students in 80 countries, will allow Oracle to continue bringing the latest technologies and skills to students and faculty around the globe. "Oracle is committed to developing educational programs that help prepare students for success in the 21st Century economy," said Clare Dolan, Vice President of Oracle Education Initiatives. "The Oracle Academy now provides one complete, comprehensive offering -- allowing ministries, schools and universities worldwide to develop technology training programs that address their individual needs. This change will benefit both students and local economies by helping to create an agile and well-prepared workforce." Kathy R. Wright, an Oracle Academy instructor from Eastlake High School, believes that the merger of these two programs will benefit both students and teachers, alike. "The Oracle Academic Initiative/Oracle Academy combination will enable me to better meet the needs of my students. Today's classroom is without walls. Many of my students attend community colleges and take advanced courses online while still in high school. The ability to offer a greater selection of courses to meet student need is the very definition of teaching in the 21st century." Institutions can participate in any combination of the Academy's three distinct program offerings to develop training and curricula that best meet the needs of their students.(1) The offerings are: -- Introduction to Computer Science and Business (formerly the Oracle Academy) -- designed for high schools, technical schools, and vocational schools, that wish to offer a comprehensive and structured training program that enables faculty to deliver a web-based, student-friendly curriculum. It provides a foundational database programming and professional skills curriculum to students and offers rigorous training and professional development for faculty. -- Advanced Computer Science and Business (formerly the Oracle Academic Initiative) -- tailored for college and university computer science and engineering departments and other institutions that wish to integrate cutting-edge database technologies and curriculum content into computer science, engineering, and information systems degree programs. The program includes select Oracle database, application server and development products and the option to purchase curriculum for teaching use. -- Enterprise Business Applications and Processes (formerly known as OAI Applications) -- developed for business schools, and college and university computer science departments that wish to integrate the latest applications technologies and curriculum into their business and computer science degree programs. This offering includes select Oracle Applications products with the option to purchase curriculum for teaching use. Under the new Oracle Academy program, institutions will have the flexibility to select any combination of offerings that best suit the skill levels of their students. By selecting from the Academy's complete portfolio of software, hosted technology, faculty training, support, and certification resources, educators can provide a variety of training opportunities for a broad array of students. Additionally, faculty will be able to flexibly insert resources into computer science and business programs, ensuring that students gain industry-relevant skills prior to entering the workforce. "After nearly 30 years of teaching I have finally discovered a high-quality, relevant and interesting course which engages pupils and staff alike," said John Thomson, Oracle Academy instructor from Langholm Academy, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. "The Oracle Academy combines a modern method of delivery with a flexible course of study. The program also allows the teacher to direct progress through the course and offer regular on-line assessment and instant feedback. As a result, the students are keen to take their studies further and are excited by being able to study for a qualification which is very relevant to their career aspirations." About the Oracle Academy The Oracle Academy supports 300,000+ students in 80 countries. By partnering with organizations (universities schools, districts, ministries) that believe in early career preparation, the Oracle Academy helps provides students with technology and business skills required for 21st century careers. The Oracle Academy is part of Oracle's commitment to education. To learn more about the program, visit http://academy.oracle.com . About Oracle Oracle is the world's largest enterprise software company. For more information on Oracle, please visit our Web site at http://www.oracle.com . Trademarks Oracle, JD Edwards, PeopleSoft, and Siebel are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. (1) Programs offerings may not be available in all countries. |