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Press Releases Pearson Digital Learning Announces Biggest NovaNET� Release Ever Mesa , Ariz. — Sept. 8 , 2004 — Pearson Digital Learning has unveiled its biggest release to date for the NovaNET® online courseware system with 129 new and enhanced multimedia lessons. NovaNET, the online, standards-based curriculum and assessment system designed for grades 6-12, provides individualized instruction for an expanding community of thousands of learners across the nation. The NovaNET 2004 release includes 79 brand new chemistry lessons, and 50 new multimedia-enhanced lessons in math and language arts, all benefiting from a brand new look that offers an attractive, intuitive interface designed to make learning easier and more engaging for middle and secondary school students. According to Sandra Lassiter, Pearson Digital's product manager for NovaNET, the release will be particularly appealing to high schools as they struggle to help students obtain the math and science skills necessary to meet adequate yearly progress (AYP) requirements, and for an increasing technology- and science-based society. "Many students struggle in these subject areas because some concepts are difficult to grasp through standard textbook and lecture means,” said Lassiter. “A recent study by the National Science Foundation found that computer tutorials dramatically improve student attitudes toward these subjects. There's no question that this, in turn, increases the likelihood of higher grades, in achieving AYP, and perhaps even in opening doors to greater career success after high school.” The addition of the 79 new chemistry lessons means that the NovaNET chemistry curriculum now constitutes a full high-school chemistry course. These new chemistry lessons teach students through simulated experiments, problem sets, and animations including video. Topics include bonding, elements, measurement, atomic structures, gases, oxidation and reduction, rates and equilibrium, acids and bases, and more. The lessons align with the National Science Teacher Association’s criteria of engaging students “in meaningful interactive dialogue,” the innovative use of “graphics, sound, and simulations to promote acquisition of facts and skills, promote concept learning, and enhance understanding,” and allowing students to “explore concepts and models which are not readily accessible in the laboratory.” Among the 26 enhanced multimedia lessons in language arts, topics include reading comprehension, grammar and usage, reference, and spelling and vocabulary. The 24 enhanced lessons in math address such topics as polynomials, factoring, binomials and multiplications, and graphing and equations. This NovaNET release, consisting of two CDs and support materials, was shipped at no additional charge to all current NovaNET subscribers this month. Customers may deploy the new lessons—as well as the entire NovaNET library of multimedia lessons—from the CDs or from the NovaNET support Web site. The new multimedia lessons and all other NovaNET lessons operate on both Windows® and Macintosh® platforms.
The NovaNET system delivers the most comprehensive, interactive, and engaging online curriculum, testing, assessment, student management, and record-keeping, designed specifically for middle and high school learners. The NovaNET system’s thousands of hours of basic skills, middle and high school English, mathematics, science, social studies, electives, ESL, GED preparation, SAT/ACT preparation, life skills, school-to-work, and post-secondary curriculum and assessment programs are aligned to national and state standards. Continuously upgraded and enhanced, it continues to evolve to incorporate the latest technology and meet the changing needs of education.
Working side by side with educators for over 40 years, Pearson Digital Learning is the leader in proven, comprehensive technologies for preK-12 education. Our mission is to provide innovative, research-based digital learning solutions that elevate the art and science of teaching, and inspire children to reach their greatest potential. Reaching more than 20 million students annually, our products include: the SuccessMaker® Enterprise and NovaNET® educational courseware; the KnowledgeBox® digital learning system; Concert™ solution for integrated instructional management, and SASIxp™ student information system. Pearson Digital Learning is also the exclusive distributor for the Waterford Early Reading Program™ and Waterford Early Math & Science™, adaptive computer-based instruction developed by the Waterford Institute. Pearson Digital Learning is part of Pearson Education (NYSE: PSO), the world’s leading integrated education company.
Matt Murphy, Corporate Communications Manager  |
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Press Releases
