SCOTTSDALE, AZ. Aug. 9, 2005 --Pearson Digital Learning, a leader in proven, comprehensive technologies for preK-12 education, has released the latest version of the award-winning NovaNET(R) online courseware system for middle school, high school, and adult learners.

The NovaNET summer 2005 release features 16 new world history lessons which, combined with new lessons introduced earlier this year, make up a full semester course of study. The new lessons offer enrichment covering prehistory through the 17th century, as well as in-depth lessons on feudalism, reformation, colonization, and additional topics. To engage students and enhance the learning process, the lessons incorporate extensive multimedia features including photos, animated maps, timelines, movie clips, audio, and interactive exercises.

"I have never seen a subject come alive like World History in NovaNET," said Ed Clements, NovaNET lab director at the Wenona Center in Michigan's Bay City Public Schools. "Students are excited to learn about the Renaissance, ancient Greece and Rome, colonialism, and much more. The multimedia components keep students engaged and on the edge of their seat. The word has gotten out that this class is actually 'fun,' making it one of the more requested classes."

As with all NovaNET lessons, the new world history lessons are aligned with state and national standards, and provide students with immediate feedback -- specific to the activity and student response -- to reinforce key learning concepts, provide enrichment, and motivate students as they progress through the course.

Another key component of the NovaNET 2005 summer release is the addition of new prescriptive curricula for the chemistry course of study, including hundreds of assessment items for pre- and post-testing. The forms of assessment include multiple choice and selective short answer. These new assessment items follow the release of 79 new chemistry lessons introduced last fall.

The NovaNET system offers cross-platform capability with Microsoft(R) Windows(R) or Macintosh(R) operating systems. NovaNET is continuously upgraded and enhanced throughout the year, providing customers with the newest courseware and latest technology to meet the needs of today's schools.

The NovaNET summer 2005 release will ship to all current NovaNET subscribers, at no additional charge, this summer. 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.

About the NovaNET System
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.

About Pearson Digital Learning
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(R) Enterprise and NovaNET(R) educational courseware; and the KnowledgeBox(R) digital learning system. Pearson Digital Learning is also the exclusive distributor for the Waterford Early Reading Program(TM) and Waterford Early Math & Science(TM), adaptive computer-based instruction developed by the Waterford Institute.
Pearson Digital Learning is part of Pearson Education, the world's leading integrated education company, which in turn is part of Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the international media company. More information can be found at: www.PearsonDigital.com.

Contact:
Eicher Communications,St. Louis
Leslie Eicher
314-965-1776
Leslie@EicherCommunications.com