Chicago, Nov. 30, 2009 – The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^® ) will develop a pioneering, next-generation system for delivering professional education via a blended learning system, implementing its winning entry in the Game Changer Challenge sponsored by the National Association of Realtors^® (NAR).  Responding to NAR’s call for new and imaginative ways to address dramatic and varied changes in both the real estate and general business environments, the IREM proposal, called the IREM I-Learn Program, will be funded by NAR, and will include the services of an outside consultant to help move the program forward. The launch of the new system is anticipated in May of 2011.

IREM President O. Randall Woodbury, CPM^®, commenting on the organization’s winning entry, said: “We applaud NAR for being so generously supportive of innovative new idea generation in our industry, and for the opportunity to transform our proposal into reality. While IREM is already recognized as the “gold standard” provider of real estate management education across the globe, we hope that the new IREM I-Learn Program will help show the way for other organizations to maintain their relevance by anticipating changes in life styles, generational influences and learning preferences for acquiring professional education, certifications and designations. Indeed, we hope that IREM I-Learn will evolve into an education delivery model for all organizations that offer professional development and related programs.”  

Woodbury explained that in keeping with the I-Learn program concept, IREM will provide alternative platforms and pathways to those seeking to meet the education requirements necessary to earn each of three IREM-conferred professional credentials; it will do likewise for those participating in professional development offerings not tied to a specific credentialing program. “Alternative learning platforms and pathways to be employed via I-Learn,” said Woodbury, “will include self-study, webinars, smart-phone applications, imbedded video, social media and learning assessments.  Expertise and best practices from academia, instructional design, technology, e- and distance learning also will be incorporated into the I-Learn knowledge delivery systems.”

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT
The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM^®) is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2008.  Major sponsors of the year-long celebration areYardi Systems, a leading provider of high-performance software solutions for the real estate industry, and the REALTORS^® Commercial Alliance (RCA), the collective commercial constituency within the National Association of REALTORS^®.

For more than seven decades, IREM has been the source for education, resources, information, and membership for real estate management professionals. An affiliate of the National Association of Realtors^®, IREM is the only professional real estate management association serving both the multi-family and commercial real estate sectors. With 80 U.S. chapters, eight international chapters, and several other partnerships around the globe, IREM is an international organization that also serves as an advocate on issues affecting the real estate management industry.

Membership includes more than 18,000 individual members and 500 corporate members. IREM promotes ethical real estate management practices through its credentialed membership programs, including the Certified Property Manager® (CPM®) designation, the Accredited Residential Manager® (ARM®) certification, the ACoMcertification, and the Accredited Management Organization® (AMO®) accreditation. These esteemed credentials certify competence and professionalism for those engaged in real estate management. In addition, IREM offers Associate, Student and Academic memberships.

Collectively, IREM CPM® Members in the United States manage over $1.5 trillion in real estate assets, including 8.4 million residential units and 8.4 billion net square feet of commercial space. An additional 977,400 residential units are managed by IREM ARM® Members. IREM Members are employed by some of the most prestigious real estate firms in the world and nearly 70% hold upper-level management positions. Due to their professionalism and vast experience, property owners and investors worldwide continually seek out the management services of IREM Members.

To learn more about the Institute of Real Estate Management and its chapter network, call (800) 837-0706, Ext. 4650 (outside the U.S. call (312) 329-6000) or visit www.irem.org.