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


"We were looking for a modern and flexible platform for learning, social networking and online communication, and Fronter delivered that. And we feel that Fronter is a 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 desire at Diak to create a new approach to the learning landscapes and to adapt to the changing needs. Diak has stated a clear vision of how 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, and communication and information functionalities were found paramount.


The facilitation of communication among all the members of the University community: students, teachers, and administration, was viewed as important. Fronter also provides a solution for student and staff intranet, connecting the seven campuses in Helsinki, Kauniainen, Turku, Oulu, Pieksämäki, Järvenpää, and Pori. The Diak Administrative Office is located in Helsinki, along with the International Office.


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