PLATO Learning Brings Naugatuck Valley Community College To The Web In A New, Exciting Way

Minneapolis MN - PLATO Learning, Inc., a leading provider of K–adult computer-based and e-learning solutions, recently announced an agreement with Naugatuck Valley Community College (NVCC) to provide Academic Systems Algebra—a full-course developmental mathematics solution for the college market. The three-course series offers students at the Waterbury, Conn., college enhanced opportunities to understand, master, and apply the principles of algebra in a flexible, interactive, and anytime/anywhere online format.

"With an ever-growing emphasis on the Web for learning, it is essential that we have the ability to provide our students with the resources that work most effectively for them," said Barbara Caserta, professor of mathematics at Naugatuck Valley Community College. "Each online learning opportunity we have been able to provide to our students has proven to bring results to our students and the college."

Launched in May 2007 and designed to help students entering college under-prepared for college-level math courses, Academic Systems Algebra actively engages students in learning and applying mathematics. Technology translates into motivating, self-paced learning tools that allow students to advance to credit courses more quickly, while increasing overall pass rates, retention, and persistence. The interactive lessons far surpass a static textbook in helping students truly understand, master, and apply algebra skills. In addition, the program provides consistent instruction, while allowing for an on-campus, distance learning, or blended program to accommodate the college's needs.

One very positive by-product of the Academic Systems Algebra program at NVCC is that teachers have been able to support more one-to-one interaction with students. "The Internet-based option is wonderful because I can spend more time getting to know my students, their interests, strengths, and weaknesses," Caserta said. "With more one-on-one time, I am able to dive in deeper with students on course material and address specific problems they are experiencing."

Academic Systems Algebra also helps free up classroom space, facilitating better scheduling within the mathematics department. The flexibility of the software grants faculty and administrators the ability to prioritize their limited resources more effectively, focusing their classroom instruction on difficult-to-master concepts. Furthermore, faculty can create customized content documents within each course based on lecture material and integrate them into the Academic Systems Algebra curriculum sequence to further illustrate challenging concepts.

"Academic Systems Algebra allows us to do many things that we were previously unable to do," Caserta said. "More importantly, we are starting to see changes and improvements in our students' ability to retain course content and pass examinations."

"We are delighted with the early success Naugatuck Valley Community College is seeing with the new Academic Systems Algebra solution," said Mike Morache, PLATO Learning president and CEO. "We are pleased to provide an opportunity to help NVCC students persist in their developmental mathematics courses and improve their success in college."

SOURCE: PLATO Learning, Inc.