FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. & HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 10, 2009--
Gale, part of Cengage Learning, and K12 Inc.(NYSE: LRN) today
announced an agreement to develop and distribute a new line of world
language-learning products to libraries. Power-Glide Language Courses,
Inc. (known as powerspeaK12), a subsidiary of K12 Inc., will
develop web-based language courses, which Gale will distribute
exclusively to the library market. Languages will include Spanish,
French, German, Chinese and Spanish ESL.
The courses developed for Gale customers will use the research-driven
powerspeaK12 language learning methodology which includes a
variety of multi-sensory activities to take full advantage of the
brain’s ability to acquire language. Designed specifically for use by
the diverse audience of library patrons, the courses will include a
combination of scored online activities, lessons and games.
Course activities will be bound together with an adventure story
containing rich graphics, audio, video, music and an intuitive way to
track progress. Learners will also be challenged to practice speaking
and writing in a variety of interactive modules designed to simulate
real conversations with native speakers.
Initial course offerings are scheduled to be available later this year.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Gale to distribute our language-learning
courses to people across the world,” said Ron Packard, founder and chief
executive officer of K12 Inc. “Language is one of the last barriers in
today’s global economy and K12 is determined to help make
learning a new language easier than ever before. Our partnership with
Gale will give more people the opportunity to learn a new language using
an exciting Web-based program that combines innovative methodology and
powerful technology.”
“A highly effective online language-learning program has long been in
demand among libraries,” said Jim Draper, vice president and publisher
at Gale. “We are delighted to partner with powerspeaK12, an
innovative leader with a global reputation for meeting the needs of
language-learners. The new program will provide users the best and most
engaging language-learning experience available.”
About Cengage Learning and Gale
Cengage Learning delivers highly customized learning solutions for
colleges, universities, professors, students, libraries, government
agencies, corporations and professionals around the world. Gale,
part of Cengage Learning, serves the world's information and education
needs through its vast and dynamic content pools, which are used by
students and consumers in their libraries, schools and on the Internet.
It is best known for the accuracy, breadth and convenience of its data,
addressing all types of information needs – from homework help to health
questions to business profiles – in a variety of formats. For more
information, visit www.cengage.com
or www.gale.com
About K12 Inc.
K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), a technology-based education
company, is the nation’s leading provider of proprietary curriculum and
online education programs to students in kindergarten through high
school. K12 provides its curriculum and academic services to
online schools, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and
directly to families. K12 has delivered over one million
semester courses to students worldwide. Currently, more than 50,000
students in 21 states are enrolled in online public schools that use the
K12 program. K12 Inc.also operates the K12 International
Academy, an accredited, diploma-granting online private school serving
students in over 35 countries.
K12 Inc. is accredited through the Commission on International and
Trans-Regional Accreditation (CITA). It is the largest national K-12
online school provider to be recognized by CITA.
K12’s mission is to provide any child the curriculum and
tools to maximize success in life, regardless of geographic, financial,
or demographic circumstances. More information can be found at www.K12.com.
© 2009 K12 Inc. K12 is
a registered trademark, and the K12 logo,
powerspeaK12, Unleash the xPotential and
xPotential are trademarks of K12 Inc. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
Source: K12 Inc.
K12 Inc.
Media:
Jeff
Kwitowski, 703-483-7281
Vice President, Public Relations
jkwitowski@k12.com
or
Gale,
part of Cengage Learning
Linda Busse, MLS, 248-699-8818
Director,
Corporate Communications
linda.busse@cengage.com