Breakthrough eLearning Method Integrates McGraw-Hill Content to Improve Student Performance in Math

The Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training (PCATT), a consortium of the University of Hawaii Community Colleges, today announced the expansion of its e-Learning math pilot to include leading math content from McGraw-Hill Higher Education. The breakthrough pilot was developed by EdgePoint Technology using Cisco Systems, Inc.'s Global Learning Network, which was developed to support the needs of its Networking Academy program currently used by more than 470,000 college and high school students worldwide.

The pilot test, developed for high school and college students in Hawaii began in the Fall 2003 semester and originally included Algebra I developed by PCATT in partnership with EdgePoint, a leading builder of learning networks that deliver innovative, multi-media rich content via the web. The new expansion includes pre-Algebra and Algebra II courses developed by McGraw-Hill and EdgePoint.

The Web-based e-learning system teaches mathematical concepts using state of the art instructional design, engaging multimedia and interactive activities, including video lectures, "e-professors," and practice exercises that are tailored to a student's skill level. The use of online animation and streaming video in an easy-to-use environment provides continual feedback as students progress through the course. The complete online system can also be used to remediate entry level college level students.

So far, the feedback from both students and teachers participating in the e-learning pilot has been positive. "We are excited to have students and teachers in Hawaii pilot the McGraw-Hill materials through this system. We expect increased student understanding of math concepts which will impact retention rates as students will be more inclined to complete their course," said Ramsey Pedersen, chancellor of Honolulu Community College.

"We are pleased to provide our premier math content for this innovative pilot. Our involvement aligns with our mission to provide breakthrough learning solutions that specifically target the needs of students and faculty," said Ed Stanford, president of McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

"EdgePoint is excited to have McGraw-Hill join the pilot. When you combine Cisco's Global Learning Network, McGraw-Hill's curriculum, and EdgePoint's e-learning expertise this will establish a new pinnacle for on- line education," said Tim Moman, CEO of EdgePoint.

PCATT will pilot the additional courses in the Fall 2004 semester. All of the courses will be available for pilot testing nationwide, through a special distribution agreement between McGraw-Hill Higher Education and EdgePoint Technology at that time. To learn more about this innovative math education system please visit: www.edgepointtechnology.com

About McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Higher Education is part of McGraw-Hill Education, the premier provider of teaching and solutions for the pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, post-secondary, higher education and professional markets. It is a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in financial services, education and business-to- business information through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's and BusinessWeek. Founded in 1888, the Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2003 were $4.8 billion. Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.

About EdgePoint Technology

EdgePoint Technology transforms information into skills by delivering e-Learning solutions via scaleable learning networks. Through centralized management and distributed content delivery, EdgePoint solutions solve "last mile problems" in delivering rich multimedia e-Learning. EdgePoint provides end-to-end e-Learning architecture, hardware, and infrastructure solutions, as well as content development services including state of the art instructional design, engaging multimedia, simulation-based assessment, and content localization.

About Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is a worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information are available at http://www.cisco.com/.

SOURCE: McGraw-Hill Higher Education

CONTACT: April Hattori
(212) 904-2078
april_hattori@mcgraw-hill.com
Diane Lopez
(212) 904-3214
diane_lopez@mcgraw-hill.com

Web site: http://www.edgepointtechnology.com/
http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/
http://www.cisco.com/