Posted by Denis Soukhanov on Wed, Sep 24, 2008 @ 03:59 PM
Learning Today, Inc., a Florida-based educational software publisher, announced the release of their newest product, Geo2Know (TM pending), an Adobe Flash-based geometry program designed for elementary school-aged children. This release is the newest product added to the company's already extensive online Smart Tutor Math program. Like other Smart Tutor reading and math products, Geo2Know includes an extensive skills assessment and a differentiated instruction prescription in order to address each child's individual academic needs.
The new Geo2Know curriculum consists of geometry lessons for Kindergarten through 5 th grade students and includes standards-based interactive tutorials, practice activities, and benchmark assessments. The program includes lessons on two- and three-dimensional shapes, Transformations, Symmetry, Spatial Relationships, and Coordinate Geometry. In alignment with the Standards & Focal Points of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), Geo2Know enables children to analyze characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships. They also learn to specify locations and describe spatial relationships using coordinate geometry and other representational systems as well as to use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems. Nora Jaegerman, Learning Today's Director of Mathematics,said, "I am very excited to release our new Geo2Know program because our research indicated a significant gap between what was being taught versus what was being learned in Geometry in elementary school. The product's explicit methodology, immediate and specific feedback, interactive use of characters, high-tech animations, and Internet-generation games and visual effects were all specifically designed to close that gap and help students understand and apply Geometry concepts in a contemporary setting."
In accordance with Learning Today's "No Nickel and Dime Policy," all existing Smart Tutor clients automatically receive Geo2Know as a free upgrade to their existing Smart Tutor Math subscription. In addition, all new clients also receive Geo2Know with their purchase of Smart Tutor Math. "As part of our ongoing service and support program, we believe that our existing clients deserve all new product upgrades without incurring additional fees," stated Dale Baker, CEO/President of Learning Today. "We believe that if the school or parents are happy with their children's results, they will undoubtedly renew their Smart Tutor subscription. It's a win/win policy."
Posted by Denis Soukhanov on Thu, May 29, 2008 @ 03:48 PM
Learning Today Announces SmartTutor.com
Learning Today, Inc., a Florida-based educational software publisher, announced today that its Smart Tutor TM Reading and Math program is now available direct to families for academic remediation, maintenance, or advanced placement. The award-winning (BESSIE, 2008) Smart Tutor program has only been available to students licensed by schools, school districts, or extended-day learning centers via www.learningtoday.com until today's release of the new consumer site, www.SmartTutor.com.
SmartTutor.com is designed to help children maintain or improve their academic abilities and outcomes while giving parents an affordable alternative to today's tutoring options. Research shows that traditional tutoring services, including centers and private tutors, cost American families billions of dollars annually.
SmartTutor.com is a web-based, K-5 th grade, reading and math tutoring system designed for home or home school use. In order to ensure that the program meets NCLB criteria, the assessment and curriculum are scientifically research-based and aligned with state and national standards. Since 2002, the program has been used by hundreds of thousands of students and has received independent third-party reviews from educational boards, including FCRR.org (Florida Center for Reading Research) and SREB.org (Southern Regional Education Board).
"Devastating federal and state education budget cuts have left many schools and school districts unable to afford important supplemental materials for years to come," stated Robin Baker, the company's co-founder. "By releasing SmartTutor.com to families, parents now have an affordable way to supplement their children's education at home without incurring exorbitant tutoring expenses."
Free reading and math assessments are a unique feature of SmartTutor.com. The company's Atlas Assessment uses state-of-the-art technology to efficiently analyze students' academic ability levels. These assessments automatically develop each student's individualized learning program so they can work at their own pace. The 14-day free trial includes the assessment results which parents may print and keep for their records. The company is also offering group discounts for large organizations or corporations. Some companies are offering SmartTutor.com as part of their soft benefits plans in order to improve recruitment, retention, and the work/family balance.