Groundbreaking Mobile Learning Program Will Train for Louisiana's 90,000 Job Vacancies

Pearson, Louisiana Community & Technical College System partner to offer nation's first customized, online learning solution via mobile device.

Baton Rouge, LA (PRWEB) November 12, 2008 -- Pearson (www.pearson.com) and the Louisiana Community & Technical College System (www.lctcs.edu)(LCTCS) today announced a groundbreaking approach to online learning designed to address the state's workforce shortage, combining Pearson's leading educational solutions with the ease and flexibility of the Blackberry mobile device.

Beginning in January, LCTCS will offer the nation's first completely customized online learning program that provides access to course materials via the AT&T Blackberry Curve. Students will benefit from a standard curriculum across the 47 campuses in the Louisiana system, featuring Pearson's customized courses and content. The entire platform will be managed by eCollege (www.ecollege.com), a Pearson company, the top provider of eLearning solutions and services in the US and increasingly, around the world.

A video preview of the program is available at http://www.youtube.com/v/tszhI8en6b0.

"This partnership completely changes the future of how online learning is delivered," said Don Kilburn, CEO of Pearson Custom Solutions (http://www.pearsoned.co.uk/CustomPublishing/). "We don't just live in an online environment--we live in a mobile environment. This partnership gives working adults in Louisiana the most flexible and reliable learning option available--whether it's on a desktop, laptop or mobile device."

"We're very pleased to partner with Pearson on this initiative. Pearson has done a wonderful job in helping to make LCTCSOnline a reality. Two things that we strive to offer within our System are options and access. It's critical that the citizens of our state have access to higher education so that they can create a better life for themselves and contribute to Louisiana's workforce. With LCTCSOnline, they have a convenient solution to the common problem of a busy schedule," said Dr. Joe May, President of LCTCS.

Nationally, there has been a huge growth in online learning, with more than 3 million students in the US currently enrolled in at least one online course. Online enrollments are growing at almost 10 percent a year, compared to just one-and-a-half percent overall in higher education. But, this hasn't always been the case in Louisiana. Many LCTCS students are working adults who want to increase their skills for better job opportunities but don't have the time and flexibility to attend traditional classes.

"The Louisiana system needed a partner that could meet all of their needs very quickly," said Pearson's Don Kilburn. "And at Pearson, we were able to take it from concept to completion in just nine months."

The Pearson-LCTCS partnership brings together Pearson's leading content, including print, digital and online learning solutions, with CourseConnect, the company's suite of state-of-the-art, online courses. Working with LCTCS faculty, Pearson customized these courses to create a tailor-made solution that would meet the needs of students and faculty. Pearson's eCollege manages the actual day-to-day technical aspects of the program, including the hardware, software and 24-7 help desk support, giving LCTCS the ability to focus solely on educating their students.

"We believe the ability to do some of their course work through the cell phone will be a major draw for individuals," said Dr. May. "Presently, of the 4.2 million individuals that make up our state's population, 25% have Internet access while 68% have cell phones. That means there are a large number of individuals to whom we can offer an opportunity to take courses, earn a degree, and have better quality of life in a more convenient way. We are very pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to our citizens. "

About Pearson -- Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education and education technology, reaches and engages today's digital natives with effective and personalized learning, as well as dedicated professional development for their teachers. This commitment is demonstrated in the company's investment in 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. The company's respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, Addison Wesley, Benjamin Cummings, Educational Measurement, Educational Assessment, SuccessNet, MyLabs, PowerSchool, SuccessMaker, and many others. Pearson's comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student at every level of education. Pearson's commitment to education for all is supported by the global philanthropic initiatives of the Pearson Foundation. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information, go to www.pearson.com.

Contact:

Susan Aspey

Susan.aspey(at)pearson.com or (347) 421-2473

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