Scientific Learning Launches Virtual Academy
Web-Based Training Courses Offer Flexible, Cost-Effective Solution For Small District And School Implementation
8/21/08
Media Contact:
Jessica Lindl
Vice President of Marketing
Scientific Learning Corporation
(510) 625-6784
jlindl@scilearn.com
Investor Contact:
Jane A. Freeman
Executive Vice President and CFO
Scientific Learning Corporation
(510) 625-2281
investorrelations@scilearn.com
Oakland, Calif. - August 21, 2008 - Scientific Learning Corp. (NASDAQ:SCIL) today announced the launch of Virtual Academy, a series of web-based instructional courses that demonstrate how to effectively use Fast ForWord® and Reading AssistantTM products to their full potential.
Fast ForWord is a family of research-based educational software products that accelerate learning by developing the student brain to process more efficiently. Reading Assistant software combines advanced speech recognition technology with scientifically-based interventions to help students strengthen their reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
Virtual Academy provides a flexible, cost-effective training solution for districts or schools with small implementations, or for those wanting to provide quick and easy training for new staff members. The self-paced, online format offers an alternative or supplement to on-site product training. In addition, the curriculum is available 24 hours a day to an unlimited number of staff members.
For the Fast ForWord reading intervention software, Virtual Academy currently features two complete training courses. "Getting Started with Fast ForWord Products" introduces the Fast ForWord products and best practices for implementing them. "The First 6 Weeks: Getting the Most from Fast ForWord Software" presents instruction in a weekly format. Each week, five to seven topics are presented in the form of case study or "how to" movie clips, followed by instruction and opportunities for interactivity. Topics such as lab practices, effective use of resources, and Progress Tracker reports are introduced in the first week and continue to be reviewed and expanded on through the weeks.
In addition, Virtual Academy offers "Getting Started with Reading Assistant," a series of four online trainings that focus on the "how to" and best practices of using Reading Assistant software. This course is available free of charge to all current Reading Assistant customers.
Scientific Learning will continue to develop new online courses to provide customers with additional training opportunities.
"Training is a critical component of any successful implementation," said Jill McCormack, vice president of customer operations. "Our customers told us they wanted the option to offer training anytime, anywhere, as well as a flexible option for training new staff members. Virtual Academy provides schools and districts with an easy, cost-effective way to deliver just-in-time training whenever and wherever it's needed. Whether you're just getting started or already into the first few weeks of your implementation, Virtual Academy can tell you what you need to know to ensure you and your students get the most out of your Fast ForWord or Reading Assistant software."
About Scientific Learning Corporation
Scientific Learning creates educational software that accelerates learning by improving the processing efficiency of the brain. Based on more than 30 years of neuroscience and cognitive research, the Fast ForWord® family of products provides struggling readers with computer-delivered exercises that build the cognitive skills required to read and learn effectively. Scientific Learning's Reading AssistantTM is the only reading solution to combine advanced speech recognition technology with scientifically-based courseware to help students strengthen fluency, vocabulary and comprehension to become proficient, life-long readers. The efficacy of the products has been established by more than 550 research studies and publications. For more information, visit www.scientificlearning.com or call toll-free 888-452-7323.
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