FEATURE/ Learning Network Offers Math Help Through Learning Pod

Business Wire, Nov 6, 2000

Business Editors and Feature Writers

FEATURE...

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--Nov. 6, 2000

Learning Pod Features Online Math Tools for Elementary Students,

Parents, and Teachers; Prepares For Standards Testing

Learning Network, the Internet's premier education source, announces Learning Pod (www.LearningPod.com), a complete online math assessment tool that enables third- through eighth-grade students, teachers, and parents to work together to prepare for state and standardized math tests.

By using the free Learning Pod assessment tool, students can choose between interactive games, reviews, and tests to measure, learn, and reinforce math skills learned in school and practice for state standards tests on their home computer. In addition, through an instantaneous reporting feature, parents and teachers can monitor a student's progress by reviewing the results of practice tests and interactive, educational games. Teachers have the additional option of viewing complete class summary reports for particular activities.

Learning Pod is one of the many programs featured on Learning Network for K-12, a secure, supportive, and completely interactive online resource with tools and information for parents, teachers and students that supports learning already taking place in the classroom.

"Math is a critical--and often the most difficult--element of standardized tests," said Zan Aronowitz, Learning Pod Producer. "With Learning Pod, Learning Network has developed an innovative tool that reinforces concepts learned in the classroom and will help kids succeed."

Learning Pod Offerings

Learning Pod is composed of five areas:

-- Test Center offers an in-depth, extensive review and practice area
correlated to statewide math curriculum standards and statewide standardized
tests. Features include interactive, animated tutorials of essential math
skills and over 35 standardized practice tests;

-- Game Pod offers a collection of interactive, challenging games that puts the
fun back in learning math and reinforces classroom concepts;

-- LP Credits is where students accumulate points as they use the Test Center
and Game Pod areas. The more students practice and achieve, the more points
they can earn for online awards and recognition;

-- Teacher Pod is where teachers have private access to check on their
student's progress individually or as a class. Teachers can also refer to a
How-To section where they can learn to effectively use the Learning Pod Web
site in their classrooms. Additionally, teachers can build parent awareness of
the math curriculum and improve parent involvement by downloading helpful
information such as how to relay information to parents and how to host a Math
Night using Learning Pod. Other features include test taking tips and study
skills ; and

-- Parent Pod is a place for parents to go to become more involved in helping
their child succeed. This section has a quick and easy refresher guide for
parents so they can answer questions and explain concepts. Additionally,
parents can check on their child's progress at any time.

Also available in Spanish, Learning Pod can be found on Learning Network for K-12's Student Channel, located at www.learningnetwork.com and at www.learningpod.com.

Learning Network for K-12

In September, Learning Network (www.LearningNetwork.com; America Online Keyword: LearningNetwork) debuted the first of its four market-focused offerings, "Learning Network for K-12," with resources for K-12 parents, teachers, and students. Sites for each group integrate programs, tools, and information from a variety of traditional and online educational publishers with Learning Network's own educational resources. Providers to Learning Network for K-12 include Pearson Education imprints and other education properties from leading content and technology companies.

About Learning Network

Learning Network, the Internet's premier education source, offers an unmatched array of online educational tools, content, resources, and communities serving the K-12, Higher Education, Professional Development, and Lifelong Learning markets. Learning Network is built on a strong foundation of Pearson Education imprints, including Addison Wesley Longman, Allyn & Bacon, Computer Curriculum Corporation, Dorling Kindersley, FT Knowledge, Globe Fearon, Macmillan USA, Pearson Learning, Pearson Technology Group, Penguin Putnam, Prentice Hall, Scott Foresman, and SkyLight; as well as educational properties from leading technology companies, including Blackboard, Classroom Connect, EdGate.com, eSCORE (a unit of SCORE! Learning, Inc.), FamilyEducation.com, InformIT, and others. Learning Network has business offices in San Francisco, New York City, Boston, and Paramus, NJ. For more information, call 1-888-816-1999, or visit www.LearningNetwork.com (America Online Keyword: LearningNetwork) on the Internet.