In a move sure to catch the attention of trend-watchers in higher ed, Blackboard announced on Monday its acquisition of a major mobile messaging provider, NTI Group.

The merger brings together two companies that are dominant in their fields and raises the possibility of a stronger emphasis on mobile content in online learning. Since Virginia Tech, colleges across the country have re-evaluated their emergency protocols and installed or upgraded mass notification systems, often embracing text (or SMS) messages as a relatively quick and effective medium for routine or urgent announcements.

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