SRA/McGraw-Hill Launches Interactive Program to Move Students Beyond Basic Computer Skills

SRA/McGraw-Hill recently launched a new interactive, subscription program to advance students beyond keyboarding and typing. TechKnowledge offers flexible, 15-minute lessons that teach students from pre-school to middle school how to use presentation software, word processors, and spreadsheets, create graphics, manage the Internet and use computer tools such as scanners and handheld devices.

TechKnowledge meets instructional technology standards of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and the International Society for Technology in Education. It includes references to ISTE National Educational Technology Standards to ensure alignment of what students learn with what they need to know.

The program offers cross-curricular applications, so students can leverage their technology skills in a variety of subject areas, including art, social studies, science, math and language arts. For example, while learning how to format a book report, students will strengthen language arts skills by actually writing a book report.

"Students have to be prepared for today's technology-savvy environment," said John Rucker, Marketing Manager, Digital Products. "TechKnowledge helps students acquire technology skills applicable to any subject area with content that is relevant to real-world situations. It enables students to enhance productivity, communication skills, and research skills, while developing problem-solving and decision-making abilities."

TechKnowledge also is equipped with an optional Spanish audio component to facilitate English as a Second Language strategies. Integrated program voice prompts enable children from pre-school age to learn regardless of their reading ability.

To accommodate all classrooms, the program is available in four media formats: on-line, LAN, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, or print. TechKnowledge simulates Microsoft Office for Windows XP and Macintosh OS so students become familiar with programs they are already using in the classroom. It also is flexible enough to run on earlier platforms.

  The curriculum includes:

   -- Performance assessments
   -- Student and class reports
   -- Teacher materials
   -- Practice pages
   -- Home Connection letters

  About SRA/McGraw-Hill

SRA/McGraw-Hill is the top provider of specialized research-based educational programs and professional development for the elementary market. Leading programs include Open Court Reading and Direct Instruction. SRA is a part of McGraw-Hill Education, a leading pre-K through Grade 12 educational publisher and a unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education, and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's and BusinessWeek. The Corporation has more than 322 offices in 33 countries. Sales in 2003 were $4.8 billion. Additional information is available at mcgraw-hill.com.

For more information on SRA/McGraw-Hill's products, call 1-888-SRA-4543 or visit SRAonline.com.

SOURCE: SRA/McGraw-Hill

CONTACT: John Rucker
SRA/McGraw-Hill
(614) 430-6683
john_rucker@mcgraw-hill.com
Nancy Newton
Paul Werth Associates
(614) 224-8114 Ext. 224
nnewton@paulwerth.com

Web site: http://www.mheducation.com/