Plato Learning Environment 2.0 Adds AP Courses

  • By Evan Tassistro
  • 07/13/10

Plato Learning has added Advanced Placement (AP) courses to its online curriculum platform, providing an option for high schools that don't currently offer AP classes. Courses available include English (literature and composition), biology, and calculus, with plans to offer chemistry and United States history in the near future. The online platform itself was also updated with new interface enhancements and student-teacher collaboration features.

Advanced Placement courses teach college-level curriculum to high school students and grant a grade point average boost for purposes of university admissions. At the end of the course, AP students may opt to take a test administered outside of the school, which is scored on a five-point scale. In addition to enhancing college admission applications, completion of an AP course and test provides the opportunity to "test out" of required lower division classes in many cases, allowing students entering university to start in a more advanced course.

Plato's browser-based programs for elementary through high school students combine online and offline activities with course-specific assessments for targeted instruction and reporting features to track student progress.

The latest release of Plato Learning Environment 2.0 includes a simplified interface, creation of classes and assignments on one screen, quick views, and enhancements to reporting tools and administrator access control. Also new are a digital drop box for turning in online assignments and threaded discussions to facilitate communication between students and teachers.

The new Plato AP courses, as well as the updated online platform, were introduced in June at the ISTE 2010 conference in Denver, CO. More information can be found here.

About the Author

Evan Tassistro is a freelance writer based in San Diego, CA.

Featured

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.

  • toolbox featuring a circuit-like AI symbol and containing a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

    Microsoft Launches AI Tools for Educators

    Microsoft has introduced a variety of AI tools aimed at helping educators develop personalized learning experiences for their students, create content more efficiently, and increase student engagement.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • Two hands shaking in the center with subtle technology icons, graphs, binary code, and a padlock in the dark blue background

    Two Areas for K-12 Schools to Assess for When to Work with a Managed Services Provider

    The complexity of today’s IT network infrastructure and increased cybersecurity risk are quickly moving beyond many school districts’ ability to manage on their own. But a new technology model, a partnership with a managed services provider, offers a way forward for schools to overcome these challenges.