Pearson Announces New K-8 Interactive Instructional Program Developed Exclusively for Whiteboard Technology

SuccessMaker Collaborate Extends Proven Digital Learning Technology to Boost Team Work and Enhance Effective Communication Skills in the Classroom

New York, August 3, 2010 – One in every seven classrooms in the world will feature an interactive whiteboard by 2011, according to research presented in Education Week. This whiteboard technology, which projects a large display of a computer’s desktop for the entire class, enables students to engage in interactive learning and enhance 21st century skills like communication and collaboration. More than one million classrooms in North America are using whiteboards to enhance learning and the number is expected to increase dramatically this year.

With the recent release of: SuccessMaker Collaborate, a K-8 learning program designed exclusively for delivery on an interactive whiteboard, the education services and technology company Pearson is adding to its innovative digital initiatives that are enhancing the teacher’s ability to improve classroom instruction – and also make teaching and learning more engaging for students.

In fact, teachers are already responding positively to the program. Third-grade teacher Terry Ballard from Cartwright School District in Phoenix, Arizona, said, “SuccessMaker Collaborate is engaging and has animation that kids love. I like the fact that it has different strategies for kids to use to figure out vocabulary meaning.”

“Our goal in creating SuccessMaker Collaborate was to develop a program that focused solely on instructional delivery via whiteboard from start to finish,” said Bob Roliardi, President of Pearson Digital Learning. He added, “Through this program, we are asking kids to elaborate, refine, analyze, and evaluate their own ideas; articulate thoughts and ideas effectively; and demonstrate an ability to work together.”

Based on a systematic approach to instructional design, SuccessMaker Collaborate’s multimedia learning framework places a strong emphasis on educational outcomes. Developed through observational research in real classrooms and with suggestions from student and teacher testers, the program integrates animations, guided practice activities, independent practice activities, games, and assessments into whiteboard instruction to foster creativity and cooperation.

“With SuccessMaker Collaborate, we’re bringing together a strong research base and the powerful engagement for which our K-8 one-on-one software program SuccessMaker is known and we’ve combined it with content and activities designed to maximize the effectiveness of the interactive whiteboard as a learning and teaching tool. The program is designed to encourage team work while supporting the development of students’ oral, written and nonverbal communication skills,” said Roliardi.

SuccessMaker Collaborate will feature lessons spanning a variety of subjects, including the first series of lessons targeting vocabulary instruction which offers group activities for mastering key language concepts and building reading comprehension. As a part of SuccessMaker Collaborate, the vocabulary lessons are completely customizable, enabling teachers to easily add additional content or align their instruction to state standards and learning objectives.

More information and a demonstration of the program can be seen here:: www.pearsonschool.com/SuccessMakerCollaborate.

About Pearson

Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education services, technology and school solutions, provides innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. Pearson’s other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information about Pearson, go to: www.pearsoned.com.

About Pearson Digital

Pearson Digital is a leader in digital and online learning through its Waterford Early Learning programs that now have more than 1 million Pre-Kindergarten through second grade students logging on; its SuccessMaker program for Kindergarten through grade 8 with more than two million users globally; and the NovaNET program providing comprehensive personalized online curriculum for middle school through adult learners to help meet the need for credit recovery, drop-out prevention and response to intervention needs serving more than 3 million students in the past 10 years. For more information, visit: http://www.pearsonschool.com/digital.