Category Archives: Education Resources

New Classroom Technology Solution For Schools

RoomPro Technologies has released RoomPro ONE, a fully integrated, all-in-one classroom control and microphone system that enables K-12 educators to provide an enhanced audio and video experience to improve student learning.

New Classroom Technology Solution For Schools

RoomPro ONE is equipped with a built-in infrared (IR) microphone system that offers optimized voice enhancement and 360° sound reinforcement for full-classroom auditory learning. It also includes a wall panel for simple, one-touch control and notably features a Virtual Control Panel, RoomPro’s proprietary control panel emulation software that allows teachers to operate the system using multiple instructional technologies.

Dean Olds, president of RoomPro Technologies, says the system’s patented design offers educators several advantages.

“RoomPro ONE solves the problem of uneven classroom sound distribution and as a result the related problem of uneven learning experiences from student to student. And, with the addition of our Virtual Control Panel, we have found a way to provide educators with more convenient system control and access. Teachers can now quickly and easily operate the system at the touch of a button, whether they are working from a laptop, a wireless tablet or an interactive whiteboard,” Olds says.

Olds adds that the system’s powerful multimedia management and control seamlessly integrates devices educators need while eliminating devices they don’t—such as remotes, which can be cumbersome to use and are easily misplaced.

According to Olds, another critical advantage for educators is that the system is priced with tight school budgets in mind. “Our system is well-positioned to help schools create the classroom of tomorrow within the budget limitations of today. It essentially can be purchased for what you would expect to pay for a classroom microphone system alone,” he says.

About RoomPro Technologies
RoomPro Techologies is a leading manufacturer of audio and visual products specializing in the K-12 market and is based in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. Its all-in-one control and microphone systems are found in classrooms, conference rooms and training rooms across the country. More information is available at www.roomprotech.com.

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NalandaU – New Website Allows Students To Access MIT Quality Education For Free

NalandaU (www.NalandaU.com) is an education website with a mission to democratize education and enable people around the world to access quality education f r o m top universities. They aggregate videos provided by universities worldwide and stitch them with open text materials to build comprehensive courses. The courses will help any motivated learner to get in-depth knowledge of a subject for free at the comfort of their home.

They currently have about 300 courses with about 6000 hours of instruction material. Of these courses include 126 f r o m MIT, Stanford, Yale and Berkeley and 36 f r o m Indian Institutes of Technology. The subjects interest not just college students but also curious minds of any age. The site is clean and loads without any ads and doesn’t require any login unless you want to access the advanced features. Most modern browsers that came in the last 5 years should work fine with it though there might be problems with older browsers like Internet Explorer 6 that came with Windows XP.

Apart f r o m watching the videos, the students can take notes in the page and access them later – organized by courses. They can also connect with their friends in Facebook who are also in the same virtual class, and share information. The course pages also have related courses that the student can take next and improve the knowledge further. Selected courses also have online quiz that the students can take to get their grades, and can manage their transcripts f r o m a central location. It has a simple search tool with search suggestions and course results organized by broad topics.

The site has been designed to reduce distraction and information-intimidation as much as possible. The information available at each page is organized well, unintimidating and more homogeneous, and when playing the videos you can go full screen or hide everything other than the lecture by using “Dim the lights” option. Company founder Balaji says, “In some of the courses the teaching is so good, you might get the feel of actually attending classes in Boston while you might really be sipping a cup of coffee, strapped with your laptop in the middle of nowhere”.

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Algae Educational Kit Will Grow On Schools

World of Algae.com announced today that they are weeks away from launching the Algae Educational Kit. This brand new hands-on Kit is packed with information and gadgets to grow algae.

“We have been getting increased interest from teachers, educators, and students about producing a guide for those who want to maintain algae cultures and carry out simple growth experiments. There seems to be detailed books for the more advanced student or worker, but very few books for inexperienced people. We hope the kit we have put together will bridge that gap”, said David Sieg, author of the Algae Educational Kit workbook.

The World of Algae website was launched in 2009 by Mr Sieg and Steve Ewings. “The Algae Educational Kit was developed for both the school and home market and it is part of our commitment to providing up to date information on the world of algae”, said Mr Ewings.

It is true that companies like Exxon and BP are investing $100s of millions in algae biofuel research and development. This new Kit may provide students with the opportunity to contextualise what is happening in this developing field.

The Algae Educational Kit includes everything to begin growing algae including: a CD containing the workbook and lesson plans; specially formulated algae nutrient; a digital temperature gauge; pH sticks; air stone; silicone air lines; gang valve; light clamp and 75 watt algae grow bulb; check valve and an air pump.

According to Steve Ewings, one of the founders of World of Algae, “Alga has the potential to radically change our lives… undoubtedly children of the future will see green pond slime through very different eyes, and our Kit aims to become part of that process.”

The Kit will be available towards the end of January 2010, and to avoid disappointment educators are invited to register their interest: http://www.world-of-algae.com/Algae-Education-Kit.html

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The Swedish National Encyclopedia (NE) Presents For Free The Largest Swedish Educative Quiz With Over 6,000 Questions

Millions of Swedes find a question like this amusing. This is why the Swedish National Encyclopedia (NE) presents for free the largest Swedish educative quiz with over 6,000 questions. You can find all the answers on the website NE.se.

The Swedish National Encyclopedia (NE) Presents For Free The Largest Swedish Educative Quiz With Over 6,000 Questions

In our digital world, people ask for knowledge through new channels. Therefore, the Swedish National Encyclopedia has gone from being a traditional printed encyclopedia to acting in several ways on the Internet and in mobile phones. Our aim is, wherever you may be, to provide answers and inspiration for you to learn new things. This new quiz is the largest Internet quiz in Sweden , and our aim is to attract people who are eager to acquire factual information. Players can test their knowledge in areas such as history, geography, science and sports. Excellent results will appear in a top-ranking list.

Anders Hansson, quiz editor and developer at NE, says:

“Our aim has been to develop a quiz that is both entertaining and challenging for people to learn more. The aim of a quiz should be to arouse interest, not to discourage. ”

On the Internet there are three versions of NE.se:

•  The free section which gives everybody access to 64,000 entries which are more concise than the entries to be found in the subscription section of NE.se. These entries are also available on mobile phones.

•  The main section of NE.se includes some 530,000 verified articles. With its new design, additional functions and regularly updated content, the main section has become a website offering rapid answers and easy access to in-depth information. Also, there are smart add-on features, such as maps, illustrations and crosswords.

•  NE school is a section of the website which primarily addresses teachers and students. You will, for example, find theme packages, study questions and learner packages. A learner package is a function which enables you as a teacher to create your own theme packages or materials to form part of a lesson.

In addition, NE has its own social networking sites on Facebook and Twitter. Also, NE publishes the blog Kunskapsbloggen.se, which is a way for us to communicate with our subscribers as well as other people searching for knowledge.

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Promethean’s Global Distribution Doubled In Three Years

Promethean, a world leader in the rapidly growing global market for interactive educational technology, has announced that, following the installation of its ActivClassroom products in Panama, the total number of countries deploying Promethean technology has reached 100. This is double the number compared to only three years ago and reflects both the pace with which educational systems are introducing interactive learning technology and the rapid global growth of Promethean.

Promethean’s ActivClassroom helps bring learning to life and improve engagement and interaction between teachers and students, thereby helping raise learning standards. The ActivClassroom comprises the interactive whiteboard -ActivBoard, interactive whiteboard tools, Learner Response Systems (ActiVote and ActivExpression) and a suite of specialised teaching software (ActivInspire).

To date, over 500,000 Promethean ActivBoard interactive whiteboards have been purchased by schools, bringing the number of students worldwide now being taught with the aid of Promethean technology to over 12 million. In addition, in 2009 alone, over a million students were introduced to Promethean’s Learner Response Systems, making the Company the largest provider of these systems in the K-12 market during the year*.

Iwan Streichenberger, Chief Marketing Officer of Promethean, commented: “Today’s announcement is a reflection of the speed with which Educational technology is being introduced into classrooms and transforming teaching across the world. Our broad geographical reach means that we are well placed to capitalise on further opportunities in this rapidly growing global market.”

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Amy Remmele Retains eXubrio Group to Promote Her Newest Book

Every business revolves around people. The same is true for life. In her new book, “CLO: Chief Life Officer,” author and consultant Amy Remmele shows that decisions become more rational when individuals think of their lives as an enterprise that they are managing. Ms. Remmele has retained Buffalo-area marketing firm, eXubrio Group LLC, to promote her new book.

CLO: Chief Life Officer” shows readers their “departments,” and how they function best through an authentic, shared mission. “Seeing parts of ourselves as departments makes more common sense than the psychological view of parts,” explains the author. The book stresses that all the How-Tos readers encounter will not help unless they look at the Whys of their actions.

“CLO: Chief Life Officer” helps readers create their own life business plan. The plan includes setting goals, communication and relationship creation, and maintaining and accessing a support system. Readers learn to define important divisions of their lives in terms of business departments. The book helps readers test their capacity of readers’ production, customer service, human relations, and sales departments. The book demonstrates how to create and apply a “decisional balance table” to life choices, enabling readers to set the right priorities. About eXubrio Group LLC eXubrio Group is an advertising, marketing, public relations, and web development agency. The firm provides services that range from fundamental marketing strategy development through all areas of advertising, public relations, and marketing material production.

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Graphik Connexions Furthers its Success with the Launch of GC Learning Services LLC

Graphik Connexions, the well-established virtual e-Learning company located in Central New Jersey , has recently announced the formation of its new company name and corporation, GC Learning Services LLC. GC Learning Services LLC will be launching its new website, gclearningservices (dot) com, on Thursday, December 17, 2009, and is expecting to see an outstanding and overwhelming response. The new website boasts a more corporate image and feel, easy navigation, and a wide range of e-Learning resources. GC Learning Services LLC has also developed a new logo that is indicative of learning blended with technology. The business formerly known as Graphik Connexions has already seen a large degree of success offering custom e-Learning services but is looking to expand its success even further through the formation of its corporation, servicing even more Fortune 500 to Fortune 5000 companies.

Since 1996, Graphik Connexions has been the go-to company for quality instructional design and e-Learning services for various businesses and industries throughout the nation. They have become much more than an e-Learning company, however, through their community-based programs, beneficial student internships, and commitment to helping other businesses through this struggling economy. The company is quickly setting an example for the new marketplace by providing high quality services at affordable, flat rate pricing, and setting high standards for learner retention rates.

Their tried and true experience is currently allowing them to provide service to all industries, and the formation of their corporation will permit the company to take everything to the next level. Due to the rapid growth of the organization, GC Learning Services LLC is expanding its staff in order serve more clients. Although they currently maintain a long list of experienced and degreed instructional design professionals, the company has grown so much in the last year that there is a need for additional talent. Because of this need, they are aggressively advertising on The eLearning Guild for highly experienced, creative, out-of-the-box-thinking, instructional designers.

GC Learning Services is excited about the new LLC and the promise that it brings. Owner and CEO Cheryl McNeil comments, “We are very excited about becoming an LLC. As far as the name, Graphik Connexions has always been referred to as GC, so the new name GC Learning Services is a very simple incorporation of that. So, we are now known as GCLS.”

The new contact information for GC Learning Services LLC can be found on the Contact page of the new web site.

About GC Learning Services LLC
Cheryl McNeil, the sole owner and CEO, established Graphik Connexions in 1996. Because of their strict devotion to helping businesses strategically via their revolutionary e-Learning and quality instructional design products, Graphik Connexions quickly climbed to the top of the industry. Now they are known for their unparalleled customer relations, competitive pricing structure, veracity, and creative imagination. They pride themselves on making a beneficial impact on ROI, learner retention rates, and employee productivity numbers.

Graphik Connexions, now known as GCLS, has now taken its business to the next level by forming a corporation. For additional details on GC Learning Services LLC, and the custom e-Learning services they offer, visit www.gclearningservices.com.

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Promethean Announces Launch of eLearning Award

Promethean and European Schoolnet have announced the launch of the ‘Best MST Learning Resource Golden Prize’ as part of eLearning Awards, Europe’s leading competition to reward excellence and best use of technology in education. More than 700 schools and teacher training institutions have registered to present their best projects making use of ICT for teaching and learning. The winners will be announced at a Prize-giving ceremony during the EMINENT 2009 Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The prize aims to recognise teachers’ best learning resource or object in the field of mathematics, science and technology (MST). Promethean will offer the winner, selected by an international jury of experts, a full ActivClassroom including Promethean’s new interactive whiteboard, Activboard 300 Pro with Dual Pen functionality and Integrated Speakers, a full set of ActivExpression Learner Response Systems, and latest specialised teaching software, ActivInspire 1.3. Promethean is a global leader in interactive whiteboards and education technology solutions with 100 countries benefiting f r o m its ActivClassroom products.

Marc Durando, Executive director of European Schoolnet said: “The eLearning Awards is a unique opportunity for schools and teacher training institutions in Europe and beyond to demonstrate how innovative they are and share with others their projects and ideas. This year we introduced the publication of the eLearning Awards entries on the Learning Resource Exchange, a library of learning resources f r o m 16 Ministries of Education and other content partners. This will help raise further the visibility of teachers participating in the eLearning Awards.”

“Promethean is pleased to be a sponsor of the eLearning Awards at the Eminent conference and in particular the award for best Maths, Science and technology learning resource award. As the only large classroom technology solutions vendor based in Europe, we are enthusiastic supporters of co-operation within the EUN Schoolnet and have been actively involved with both the Interactive Whiteboard working group and the Learning Resource Exchange (LRE)”, said Stephen Jury, Head of Education Strategy at Promethean.

“Our work in support of the European Ministries of Education who make up EUN Schoolnet is part of our overall commitment to spread best practices in teaching and learning to benefit opportunities for young people and quality in our education systems,” he added.

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Free E-Book Helps University Students Learn about APA Style, Chicago Style and MLA Style

StudyStudent.com has published a free e-book, entitled, “Writing Styles for College Students” to help college and university students learn how to master the three most popular (and sometimes troublesome) writing styles — APA Style, Chicago (Turabian) Style and MLA Style.

APA Style, Chicago Style and MLA Style

Any student who has worked on a dissertation, thesis or graduate paper knows the difficulties in following a specific writing style. Students need to follow many writing and formatting rules as they write their papers. These difficulties include using correct margins, font style and size, pagination, headings and footers; as well as knowing how to cite and format sources, and which specific pages to include.

Retired university professor Peter Gallagher wrote, “Writing Styles for College Students” to condense the most commonly asked questions about APA Style, Chicago Style, and MLA Style. Gallagher shows students how to apply these writing styles as they work on their formal papers. He provides answers, guidance, and advice on:

1. How to start a thesis, dissertation or formal paper;

2. How to cite references for both online and offline sources;

3. How to format a paper in APA Style, Chicago Style, or MLA Style;

4. What “display” pages to include — and what pages not to include;

5. When to use in-text citations, footnotes, endnotes as well as a bibliography page or reference list page;

6. When to use Arabic or Roman numerals to identify chapters, headings, parts, etc.;

7. How to present tables, figures, and illustrations;

8. expert writing advice regarding writing style and grammar usage; and so on.

“Many students have trouble starting their papers because they focus too much on how to setup their papers, instead of focusing on the actual writing,” said Gallagher.

“Writing Styles for College Students” separates each writing style into short chapters, and helps students begin writing their papers immediately while guiding them along with the most essential formatting and writing rules.

Students can download a free copy of “Writing Styles for College Students” at www.StudyStudent.com, a free website that helps students learn about writing a dissertation, thesis paper or term paper.

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Quest CE Releases 2010 Financial Advisor Education Survey Results

Quest CE recently invited over 30,000 financial advisors to participate in their annual survey on advisor’s perceptions of value-added insurance and professional designation continuing education (CE).

The survey focused on advisors’ opinions on the insurance and designation continuing education (CE) sessions offered in their branch offices by wholesalers and of the wholesalers themselves.

Results showed 88% of the advisors who responded make time to attend continuing education sessions wholesalers present at their office, and 89% agreed those CE presentations were relevant and informative.

The survey asked whether the advisor was more likely to attend an instructor-led continuing education session than a product update meeting held by a wholesaler. 79% of the respondents said they were more likely to attend a CE session, further illustrating the fact that wholesalers who offer CE in branch offices can dramatically increase contacts and strengthen relationships with advisors.

82% of the respondents said they would be interested in receiving continuing education voucher cards from wholesalers who do not offer a “live” CE session in their office.

Final survey results are available for download at:

http://www.questce.com/Downloads.html

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Blackwell Continues Support For Growing Number Of University Students

Blackwell, the leading academic bookseller in the UK, has reinforced its focus on assisting the student market following a successful 2008-09 academic year and expects a good 2010 following a rise of nearly 6% in the number of students starting university in Autumn 2009.

The number of students accepted onto medicine, journalism, law, philosophy, chemistry and engineering degrees has risen since last year which supports the key subject areas and resources where Blackwell has already seen substantial growth. The increase in business has been seen both in store and online with ranges such as Oxford Paperback Reference, comprising of medical books, chemistry books and law books, all showing a
rise in demand.

Blackwell prides itself on building good relationships with lecturers to ensure the company stocks the books that appear on university reading lists. During the back to university period Blackwell set up temporary shops on a number of university campuses and worked in partnership with lecturers to fulfill student’s textbook requirements.

To further assist students, Blackwell introduced the new Blackwell Reward card which allows students to earn points and save pounds. Students can accrue 1 point for every £1 spent at Blackwell’s. Once they receive 100 points £5 will be added to their cards. On top of this, Blackwell introduced a second-hand scheme where students can make a saving of up to 40% off the retail value of the book when buying second-hand text books.

The Blackwell web site also provides access to over 6 million books which can be delivered direct to student’s halls of residence or can be reserved online and collected in store from one of the Blackwell campus books shops.

Blackwell has also supported students by offering price promotions on both academic and general books, including Christmas books.

About Blackwell Ltd
Blackwell is the leading academic bookseller in the UK with 44 outlets across England, Scotland and Wales. It has built an international reputation for bookselling excellence with links to academic institutions and libraries around the globe and has continued to expand its UK base on High Streets and in university campuses up and down the country. Blackwell is also a leading supplier of academic books to Libraries across the world.

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eSpok Launches Its Learning Management System & Training Marketplace For Companies

Since 2007, eSpok’s learning management system and virtual classroom have been used by training companies to deliver training to their clients through the Internet. Many companies have already enjoyed efficient and cost-effective training developed and delivered through eSpok’s platform. Now eSpok wishes to bring those advantages to companies for their internal training.

Optimizing the training cost with one platform fully equipped for “blended learning”

As “blended learning” is becoming the norm in the training industry because it optimizes training costs, companies are looking more and more for complete “blended learning” solutions for their internal training.

eSpok’s platform combines all the tools necessary for “blended learning”. The virtual classroom is perfectly integrated into the Learning management system, taking full advantage of technology for your training.

Using easy content creation tools, it is possible in a few clicks for anybody without any formal Internet skills to create interactive content and to distribute it. Those online documents and exercises can then be completed easily with a live one-on-one or one-on-many session in our virtual classroom.

Finally, agendas and reporting tools allow the training managers or HR department to easily track and organize the training.

Marketplace of selected training companies for external training

For training that cannot be developed f r o m inside, eSpok has created a network of training companies which use its platform and recognize the benefits of online training and blended learning.

In a few steps and for a wide range of types of training, going f r o m language courses to leadership and management training, it is possible for the company to request external training and receive discounted offers.

The training takes place on the same platform, with the same tools. Sessions are recorded, and documents available for further review.

About eSpok
eSpok has developed a complete and customizable Learning Management System combined with a virtual classroom for online training. eSpok is present in four countries: the United States, France, Germany and China, and its platform is used in a range of companies going f r o m small in size to multinational. The company has a wealth of experience accompanying clients to optimize their internal training. Our platform can be used both for internal needs or to simplify and optimize the purchasing of external training.

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Promethean And National Geographic Unleash The Power Of Nature In Classrooms

Promethean, a global leader in education technology solutions, has introduced National Geographic Young Explorer ActivLessons; a series of interactive whiteboard lessons designed specifically for kindergarten and first grade students. The ActivLessons interactive whiteboard resources can be used on any brand of interactive whiteboard using a free download of Promethean’s Software: ActivInspire Personal Edition available for download.

Engineered to expand and enhance the reach of the popular National Geographic Young Explorer magazine, the ActivLessons provide a whole-class digital supplement to the series. The range of exciting activities for interactive whiteboards is guaranteed to spark the interest of inquisitive young minds.

Developed in partnership with the National Geographic Society, the Young Explorer ActivLessons educational resources are based on the stories and instruction in Young Explorer and feature stunning photography supported by group activities, narrated stories, printable worksheets and a full teacher guide. The National Geographic Young Explorer Magazine and ActivLessons work together to improve literacy skills and introduce learners to science and social studies.

While the Young Explorer ActivLessons teaching resources stand alone, they can also be used with the magazine, offering teachers multiple options to create engaging lessons that provide practice with reading strategies, build academic vocabulary and meet NCLB goals.

Brent Taggart, Head of Promethean Planet and Strategy said, “Promethean is thrilled to partner with National Geographic to produce the Young Explorer ActivLessons. Intended to be teacher led; the design and functionality of the ActivLessons facilitate versatility in the classroom by offering multiple options for student engagement and educator adaptability. All the activities contained are flexible, collaborative and extendable; key requirements of any content created for Promethean’s ActivClassroom.”

Fran Downey, Vice-President and Publisher of National Geographic added, “National Geographic Young Explorer is known for teaching important literacy skills through high-interest science and social studies content. The magazine connects to existing curriculum while inspiring students to care about our planet. The partnership with Promethean, a leader in developing interactive classroom solutions for the education market, allows teachers to present truly interactive lessons that will engage students and deepen understanding. This takes the printed magazine to a whole new level.”

Young Explorer ActivLessons can be purchased and downloaded through the Promethean Planet online shop where educators can also browse a wide variety of digital content.

Promethean Planet will be introducing a range of new functionality over the coming months to further address the modern-day educator’s needs.

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Debut Of ePath Knowledge Suite of Online Tools

Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEDH), a leading provider of print and online supplemental educational materials for the K–12 school market, is pleased to announce the launch of their new ePath Knowledge™series of online tools for educators to address specific needs in schools. The initial launch of the ePath Knowledge™ series consists of three distinct offerings: ePath Assess™—the online formative assessment, progress monitoring, and reporting platform, ePath Discovery™—a targeted, state-specific online remediation and reporting system, and Practice Path™—the ongoing skill building and standards and test practice system. The tools share a common design featuring intuitive, easy-to-use interfaces, visually based reporting, and customized, state-specific content.

Debut Of ePath Knowledge Suite of Online Tools

“We are extremely excited about our new ePath Knowledge™ offerings and the potential of these tools to make a significant impact in K–12 schools,” said Brian Beckwith, President and CEO. “The tools in the ePath Knowledge™ series work together to deliver an integrated solution or as standalone offerings to fill in the ‘missing piece’ of any existing solution. This flexibility, combined with our high-quality content, user-friendly design, renowned service and support, and affordable pricing will make ePath Knowledge™ a ‘go to’ solution for schools.”

“We had the opportunity to pilot Practice Path™ for our summer Jump Start program,” said Stephanie Shaffer, Basic Skills Instructor from Franklin Township School District, NJ. “I honestly have to say the program has a lot to offer for both the teachers and students. I found the program offered a wide array of usable information and the students loved it. Because of our summer experience, we are going to use the program this school year.”

The ePath Knowledge™ offerings allow local and state level education agencies to provide powerful, state-specific tools accessible via any computer with an available connection to the Internet. Each ePath Knowledge™ tool addresses distinct educational needs while straightforward, visually based reports promote informed classroom instruction, so educators can readily identify the needs of each student or groups of students. The ePath Knowledge™ tools are available in the following geographic areas: The ePath Assess™ solution is available in all 11 of Peoples Education’s current states (AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX, and VA), while ePath Discovery™ is currently available in California and Texas only and Practice Path™ is currently available in California, Texas, and New Jersey with more states to come. For additional information about Peoples Education ePath Knowledge™ tools, go to www.PeoplesEducation.com.

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New Quick and Easy Test Preparation Now Available for Reading, Math, and Science

Peoples Education, a leading provider of supplemental educational material for the K-12 school market, today announced the addition of Reading, Grades 3-8 materials to the successful Measuring Up Express for the TAKS program. This new program, which first launched late last year, now offers a complete line of Reading, Math, and Science materials for Texas elementary and middle school tested grade levels. The Reading, Grades 3-8 program, includes student worktexts, Diagnostic Practice Tests, and Formative Assessments.

“Teachers told us that they are beginning to instructionally move to the new reading TEKS, but these TEKS are not yet tested. They still need materials to help students succeed on the pre-existing TEKS, which will be tested in 2010 and beyond,” commented Brian T. Beckwith, the company’s President and CEO. “Peoples Education has a history of responding to Texas educators’ needs promptly and with high-quality TEKS and TAKS-customized content. This new reading TAKS preparation and review program is no exception.”

The Measuring Up Express worktexts are a companion to the successful Measuring Up to the TEKS program. The new books address the TEKS that will be tested in 2010 with new content and reading passages. In areas where students need extra instructional support, Measuring Up lessons can be selected for in-depth standards coverage. For quick and easy test review 3-6 weeks prior to the TAKS, Measuring Up Express lessons are the perfect tool. The short lessons provide a brief review of the standards and relevant vocabulary, as well as test practice in the format of the current TAKS. The Measuring Up Express books also include a correlation to the new reading TEKS to help teachers and students as they transition to the new standards.

“Peoples Education has worked tirelessly to align the TEKS with the Measuring Up Express Reading worktexts,” remarked Elizabeth Firmin Birdwell, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Duncanville ISD. “I think teachers will enjoy the product and they will find that it is cognitively aligned.”

The Measuring Up Express program includes free Formative Assessments as blackline masters so teachers can monitor student progress at the end of every chapter. Two free Diagnostic Practice Tests for each student allow teachers to diagnose student weaknesses and prescribe review lessons in the Measuring Up Express OR Measuring Up worktexts. This diagnose-prescribe-instruct model in the Measuring Up program has helped over 3 million Texas students improve test scores.

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New Website for Students and Educators By Fascinating Learning Factory

Fascinating Learning Factory (FLF), a non-profit organization and a leader in innovative, engaging educational programming for classrooms, television and the World Wide Web, has launched an entirely new website offering new on-line tools, information and links for students and educators, and better reflects the breadth and quality of its programs and initiatives.

“The new site is brighter, bolder and lots more fun,” says FLF’s Executive Director Bunnie Strassner. “For teachers and students, the site now features hundreds of educational stories and cartoons f r o m the popular “Our Fascinating Earth” books by Drs. Phil and Nancy Seff, as well as current programs and new projects in development. Plus, we have opportunities for visitors to offer their own ideas for programs. Teachers and students are invited to join the Fascinating Learning factory for free and we will offer new and unique items for sale in the on-line store.”

Another recent addition is 30 one-minute animated features called Facts of Congress, a fun way to teach civics and government.

“I’m very excited“, comments Heather Boyle-Noland, Development Director at the ‘Learning Factory, “It’s a great new step we have taken to bring educational information to the web in a user friendly and engaging. We are also hoping it will drive new donors to visit us and get out our message of the critical need for higher quality and a broader reach of programming.

The site was designed by, and is being maintained by Flashback Media Productions of Lafayette, Colorado.

The Fascinating Learning Factory, a Colorado 501(c)(3), is dedicated to improving the quality of educational programming for ages 10 through adult. Some of their award winning, broadcast programs include “Guerrilla Guide to Politics, “Our Fascinating Earth”, and “Shoshone Voices, Native Choices”, a documentary about the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and their participation in the artifact identification program at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian. For more information, please visit their website, www.fascinatinglearningfactory.org, or call 303-545-9955.

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Over 2.5 Million Inspiring Audio CDs Distributed Worldwide Since 2005 By Lighthouse Catholic Media

Lighthouse Catholic Media, NFP announces that they have achieved the milestone of having distributed over 2.5 million inspiring audio CDs distributed worldwide since their inception in late 2005.

Over 2.5 Million Inspiring Audio CDs Distributed Worldwide Since 2005 By Lighthouse Catholic Media

Lighthouse Catholic Media’s CDs are distributed two ways: through their FAITHRAISER Kiosk Program displayed in over 2,000 parishes, Catholic schools and missions, and via their popular CD of the Month Club. The CD of the Month Club is a subscription-based service to individuals and parishioners at an amazingly low rate.

What’s more, when the parish sponsors the CD of the Month Club for their parishioners, the parish receives a percentage back for the purpose of funding religious education, or whatever purposes the parish sees fit to utilize the funds. There is no cost or investment for the program, nor is there any administration by the parish; the program, which is both a faith-raiser and true fund-raiser, has grown substantially in the last year.

Recently, Lighthouse Catholic Media received an endorsement by the archbishop for the US Military Services, Archbishop Broglio, recommending Lighthouse Catholic Media’s inspiring Catholic audio CDs to soldiers, sailors and airmen serving in over 450 military bases around the world.

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Escuela Del Sol Has Hired A Design Firm To Help Communicate Its Unique Brand Of Creative Education To Its Constituents

Albuquerque’s Escuela del Sol had a problem. Even after 40 years of continuous operation, there was growing confusion among parents as to what the Montessori system offered their children, how it differed f r o m other educational methods, and what results they should expect. The lack of communication was making it difficult to maintain, much less grow, enrollment, and had caused some dissatisfaction with currently enrolled families.

Now if Montessori schools know how to do anything, it is how to prepare kids to be creative thinkers and problem solvers. So the school’s board decided to practice what they teach. They put on their thinking caps, thought like a business and came up with a business solution-applying the very same traits they strive to nurture in their students.

This creative bit of problem solving led them to Ripe Inc., an Albuquerque-based design firm that specializes in building brands and identities for businesses. Normally. But the chance to work with such a forward thinking school was too good an opportunity to pass up. Ripe had to be equally creative in taking on a branding assignment f r o m a school. But they did their homework well.

Working closely with the school they developed an engaging, informative, visual and verbal communication system to clarify and deliver the brand message. The message was developed through intensive workshops in which consensus about the key attributes of the school’s brand were uncovered and documented. The analysis and evaluation became an internal brand reference guide book provided to all faculty and staff members-so there’s common understanding and consistent language when communicating the Escuela del Sol brand.

It also became the conceptual platform for developing the graphics libraries, website, messaging system, and electronic template that facilitates the school’s unique educational approach. And for developing its award-winning print collateral as well. The school’s new logo & stationery design has been s e l e c t e d to appear in PRINT’s 2009 Regional Design Annual. Planned advertising campaigns will focus on specific challenges-like boosting enrollment, and increasing parent engagement in the school’s educational process.

Escuela del Sol has made it their business to enhance their communications and their profile within the community. And they expect business to be good.

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Peoples Education Debuts Measuring Up for Level A/Grade 1

Peoples Education, a leading provider of supplemental educational material for the K-12 school market, announced today the addition of first grade materials to the successful Measuring Up to the California Content Standards program. This exclusive approach to first grade standards preparation includes two levels in one book to give teachers flexibility to differentiate instruction for a wide range of student needs.. The Level A program includes instructional worktexts, Diagnostic Practice Tests, and Building Stamina booklets for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

Peoples Education

“We took our time to research what would be the best option for first grade teachers and their students,” commented Diane M. Miller, the company’s co-founder and Chief Creative Officer. “Having two sets of lessons on the same standards allows teachers to scaffold instruction for their first-grade students and for second-grade students who need specialized instruction to bridge the gap from first grade to second. We believe this program meets the needs of California educators in a more realistic way than traditional materials.”

The worktexts include Early Level lessons to be used at the beginning of first grade and Bridging Level lessons for the second half of first grade and second graders needing intervention. The program helps students transition to second grade and prepare early for the second grade assessment.

Lisa Anderson, a key advisor on the project and K-6 Reading Specialist from National City, said, “I am thrilled Peoples Education is coming out with a Grade One version of Measuring Up. I love how these workbooks present the essential California standards in an easy-to-learn, student-friendly format.”

A variety of assessment tools are available to help teachers diagnose student needs and monitor progress. Two short Diagnostic Practice Tests, one for Early Level and one for Bridging Level, can be used as a pretest and posttest for the program. These diagnostic assessments cover the key grade 1 standards with 30 questions each. Separate Building Stamina booklets are designed as formative assessments to be used at the end of each chapter in the Early and Bridging levels. All the assessment results can be used to prescribe specific Early and Bridging lessons in the Level A Measuring Up worktext for a truly customized approach for every classroom.

About Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc.

Peoples Educational Holdings, Inc. is a publisher and marketer of print and electronic educational materials for the K-12 school market. The Company focuses its efforts in two market areas:

Test Preparation, Assessment, and Instruction

Test Preparation and Assessment: The Company creates and sells state customized, print and electronic, test preparation and assessment materials that help teachers prepare students for success in school and for required state proficiency tests, grades 2-12.

Instruction: The Company produces and sells proprietary state customized print worktexts and print and web-based delivered assessments, for Grades 2-8. These products provide students with in-depth instruction and practice in reading, language arts, and mathematics. In addition, the Company’s backlist remedial and multicultural products are included in this group.

Literacy

The Company distributes K-8 supplemental literacy materials for three publishers, on an exclusive basis in the United States. These materials include an extensive selection of leveled reading materials; high interest engaging resources for striving readers; series that integrate reading, science and social studies; and selections and strategies for English Language Learners.

College Preparation

The Company distributes instructional materials that meet the academic standards high schools require for honors, college preparation, and Advanced Placement courses. The Company is the exclusive high school distributor for two major college publishers, and also creates proprietary supplemental materials for this market.

The Company’s proprietary products are supplemental in nature. They are predominately soft-cover, high gross profit margin titles that can be sold efficiently through the Company’s direct sales force, as well as through catalogs, direct mail, telemarketing, and independent commission sales representatives. Distributed products are both basal and supplemental in nature.

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Borenson And Associates, Inc., With Headquarters In Allentown, PA Will Be Training Additional Instructors To Conduct The Making Algebra Child’s Play Workshops Nationwide

Since 1990 Borenson and Associates has conducted more than 2500 Making Algebra Child’s Play workshops showing teachers how the visual and kinesthetic approach of Hands-On Equations enables even 4th and 5th graders to succeed with algebraic equations not normally presented until the 8th or 9th grade.

borenson

The instructor candidates, coming from five different states, will be receiving their training at the Holiday Inn in downtown Allentown. The training will take place each day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is expected that a student demonstration will take place each day from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

All of the candidates have used Hands-On Equations in their classrooms for several years and are now coming to learn how to present the program to teachers.

Leading the training program will be Dr. Henry Borenson, who received a U.S. Patent for Hands-On Equations. With this group, the company will have about three dozen certified instructors. Borenson anticipates the need for 100 instructors within the next two years to meet the growing interest in his approaching to simplifying the abstract nature of algebra.

Recently, the company received their first order from Educational Opportunities, Inc. who have set a goal of introducing the program to 1,000 classroom in Africa, Asia and India.

“There is no reason for young students to be intimated by algebra,” says Borenson. “Through this visual and kinesthetic approach algebraic concepts become intuitive and are much easier to understand than division of fractions or long division– and much more fun!”

Borenson believes that when young students are successful with algebra their sense of self-esteem is enhanced. “There is no doubt about the effectiveness of this program,” he says. We have almost ten research studies posted at www.borenson.com to prove it.

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