Learning through a Network of Channels
The Learning Network,a new e-learning initiative site, broadcasts daily contributions fromeducational experts, leading publishers, and technology companies from around the globe. Offering an array of educational tools,content and resources, LearningNetwork enables learning through an organized framework. Providers tothe site include Blackboard.com, Classroom Connect, Prentice Hall, PenguinPutnam, and others.
Learning Network for K-12 consists of three channels: theParent Channel, the Teacher Channel, and the Student Channel, each of whichintegrates resources, tools, and information from a variety of traditional andonline educational publishers. Activities for the classroom and home aredesigned to work together, so that exercises undertaken at home supportlearning already taking place in the classroom. The Parent Channel providesparents with new ways to access lesson plans, track their child’s progress, andcommunicate with teachers and other parents. In addition, parents can buysupplementary online and text-based products from the site. The Teacher Channelenables educators to plan lessons, share ideas with other teachers, andintegrate online learning activities and tools with classroom instruction.Teachers can also customize individual student learning programs, and securelypost grades online. Communicating with parents for the sake of monitoring studentprogress against state and national standards is also possible. Like parents,teachers can also purchase text and online education programs and learningtools from the Web site. The Student Channel helps K-12 students mastercurriculum-based concepts, practice skills, complete schoolwork supplements,take practice tests, get homework help, and communicate with peers and teachersonline.
Users may also rely on the Learning Network for referencepurposes. Learning Network for Reference offers Infoplease and Fact Monsterchannels, which provide comprehensive interactive reference material. Theseresources include almanacs, travel destination information and fun facts. LearningNetwork, San Francisco, CA, (800)816-1999, www.learningnetwork.com.