McGraw-Hill Higher Education Introduces New Digital Learning Solution for Microsoft and Other Popular Computer Applications

As the fall semester gets under way on college campuses, students will find more integrated technology aimed at engaging them and driving their achievement in the most cost-effective ways. Today's students have been wired from a young age, and the challenge for instructors is that they all process information differently and enter the classroom with a variety of experiences. SimNet (McGraw-Hill) is an online learning software that can help professors identify what students know and don't know and customize their office technology course accordingly, no matter where students are in the learning curve.

SimNet Online is an interactive, simulation-based software designed to teach and assess student competence and proficiency in Microsoft ® Office 2007, Windows Vista ™ and other popular computer applications. The learning solution utilizes completely online, simulated Office and Vista environments, and requires only high-speed Internet, Adobe Flash Player, and Internet Explorer or Firefox browser.

"SimNet for Microsoft 2007 includes both learning and assessment components, so students can master the course-required topics and skills at their own pace, and professors can easily assess students' proficiency in a wide range of applications and computer concepts," said McGraw-Hill Higher Education's Jim Kelly, president of the Career Education Group. "McGraw-Hill is pleased to provide SimNet Online 2007, the newest solution in this simulated information technology teaching product line, and to help professors more effectively customize courses geared toward student success."

In fact, more than half a million students have learned Microsoft Office skills using SimNet products since 1999.

"SimNet, with its 24/7 online tutor, is a digital, affordable technology that enhances the learning process for today's college students," said Andrew Blitz, an information technology professor at American Intercontinental University. "The software addresses various types of learning styles and helps students succeed, whether they learn best by seeing, hearing, or touching."

Each of SimNet's hundreds of learning tasks are approached using a three-mode learning philosophy: "Teach Me" introduces skills with a brief narrative followed by concise step-by-step direction; "Show Me" combines animation, audio narration, and closed captioning to thoroughly teaching the skill; and "Let Me Try" allows students to master news skills using the simulated interface. Numerous additional questions are also imbedded throughout the three-mode learning method for students to explore further.

SimNet is completely customizable for professors and scan-able for students, meaning students can quickly identify the skills they know and the ones they don't, making it easy for them to instantly select and review lessons over and over. Through SimSearch, students gain access to the lessons they need when they need them. For example, if a student needs to look up "Mail Merge," SimSearch will show all of the relevant available lessons.

SimNet Online corresponds to McGraw-Hill textbooks for Microsoft Office 2007, Vista, and Computer Concepts including: The O'Leary Series, The Professional Approach Series, and Computing Essentials. It is currently available in three different versions based on the level of informational content - Office Suite, One Application or Proficiency - and can be packaged with any McGraw-Hill eBook.

  For more information, visit www.mhhe.com/simnet2007


  About McGraw-Hill Higher Education

McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, is a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 60 languages. Additional information is available at http://www.mheducation.com/.

  Contact:
  Tom Stanton
  McGraw-Hill Education
  (212) 904-3214
  tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: rwoptout@gmail.com

SOURCE: McGraw-Hill Higher Education

CONTACT: Tom Stanton, McGraw-Hill Education, +1-212-904-3214,
tom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com

Web Site: http://www.mhhe.com/simnet2007