Being an early adopter and user of web-supported solutions in Finland, the need for a more-flexible platform became increasingly obvious for Diak. At an early stage in May 2009, Diak stated that they were looking for an up-to-date solution. Fronter was chosen, and the openness of the Fronter platform proved to be critical in this choice.

"We have been looking for modern and flexible platform for learning, social networking, and online communication. Fronter delivers that, and we feel that Fronter is true partner for building our borderless campus", says Jarkko Elo, Head of Educational Centre of ICT at Diaconia University of Applied Sciences.

There had been a growing concern in Diak to create a new approach to the learning landscapes and to adapt to the changing needs. Diak stated a clear vision that they want to engage faculty and students to use Fronter innovatively and effectively. Hence, flexible access to materials and resources, enhancement of face-to-face sessions, communication, and information functionalities were found paramount.

Diak has about 3,000 students, and approximately forty percent of them choose to take courses that give them dual qualifications in the fields of social work, youth work, and diaconal work in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. At the Pieksämäki campus, for instance, learning and communication have predominately moved onto the web, reducing time spent in the classroom.