Fathom online learning site to shut down

Fathom.com, the Web-based lifelong learning project spearheaded by Columbia University in which U-M was one of some 13 partners, will be discontinued March 31. Columbia announced its plan last week to end the program due to financial concerns. The company offered online courses and other materials to an audience primarily seeking enrichment, although a limited number of degree programs were available.

James Hilton, associate provost for academic, information and instructional technology affairs and professor of psychology, says that the program was ahead of its times, but was not able to survive in a tough economy.

"The Internet is beginning to mature as a digital platform for quality content and commerce, and several online degree programs are succeeding," Hilton says. "But Fathom was not degree-focusedit was targeted for lifelong learners, a market that is not growing as quickly." Hilton notes that during its participation, the University created 35 free features, two e-courses and nine free seminars, all of which remain available to the University. While not a financial success, it was a critical success, Hilton adds.

Provost Paul N. Courant says despite its demise, the three-year-old Fathom.com project was a great learning experience for the University.

"It succeeded in stimulating our faculty to think about teaching in new ways," Courant says. "It was beneficial in that Fathom enabled faculty to teach, publish and explore different ways to use digital media."

Courant says that the Fathom experience was particularly valuable in helping the University explore online ways to reach lifelong learners among alumni and donors.

Two years ago, U-M offered its first course as part of the Fathom.com consortium. Other participants included London School of Economics and Political Science, Cambridge University Press, the British Library, the New York Public Library, the University of Chicago, American Film Institute, RAND, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum (United Kingdom) and the Natural History Museum (United Kingdom). Some 22 universities also offered courses through the online project.

More stories

• MLK Symposium: 'Be the change we wish to see in the world'
• Mott is fifth in nation, best in Michigan
• Fathom online learning site to shut down
• Wiesner lecturer to discuss role of science and technology in combating terrorism
• University Library signs contract for new library management system
• Photo: Bookdrive
• Spotlight: Part music man, part marathon man
• May joins U-M as VP for development
• Law SchoolÍs Lehman to take top Cornell post
• Inclement weather policy: When to come to work, and when to stay home by the fire
• University Library creates academic search service
• Research Notes
• Feminist author bell hooks to speak Jan. 15
• Photo: Rackham renovation
• 'Genius among storytellers'
• Tax changes for 2003
• U-M scientists seek to clone sugar maple trees
• Williams presents lecture series