Learn360 Keeps Students Engaged as Classrooms are Closed by H1N1

WOODBURY, N.Y., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Learn360, an interactive media-on-demand service for the K-12 educational market, is enabling educators to maintain continuous learning in spite of a potential widespread outbreak of H1N1 and other flu viruses. This initiative is helping school districts comply with the U.S. Department of Education's recent mandate to minimize academic disruptions should their schools be faced with the decision to close. With the help of Learn360, teachers can effortlessly communicate class assignments and activities to students and track their progress remotely.

Earlier this year, the Department of Education reported more than 400 schools in 18 states closed to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus, halting the learning of nearly 245,000 students nationwide. Additionally, health authorities say more than 46 states now have widespread flu activity. This flu season, Learn360's online classrooms are keeping students engaged in learning with teacher-created multimedia lesson plans containing videos, speeches, songs, images, encyclopedia articles and activities. Teachers can create assignments and projects, and prepare and deliver quizzes and tests online, which students can access at home or in the classroom.

"To adequately prepare students and staff, we have partnered with Learn360 to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure the educational process continues even if our schools are required to shut down," said Dr. Karen Jones, Assistant Superintendent for Howell School District in Howell, NJ. "Learn360 will allow our teachers to easily keep our students on track with the educational process, whether they are physically in the classroom or not."

"Learn360 is not just a tool for emergency situations, but in light of the H1N1 threat, it has become an increasingly useful solution for educators, allowing them to provide their students with access to comparable learning capabilities while they are unable to be in the classroom," said Chris Sanborn, President of Learn360. "Learn360 is a comprehensive learning platform that uses multiple media formats to develop enriching and engaging learning experiences for students. Our hope is that schools remain open. However, Learn360 will ensure that students still have the opportunity to learn if disruptions occur."

Using My Learn360, the platforms curriculum development section, lesson plans are developed by combining teacher-created content with project-based learning activities. Once the student names are uploaded into Learn360, either as a single generic student account or assigned to classes or groups, teachers can easily communicate assignments and activities, track student participation and manage discussion through classroom blogs. Learn360 is accessible to students anywhere they have Internet access.

Learn360's latest enhancements include the creation of a School Announcement Section, Mass Distribution Function, Assignment Wizard, Timed Assignment/Quiz Tool, Progressive Assignment Tool and Advanced Reporting Tools.

"Learn360 continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of teachers and students," said Sanborn. "Based on the Department of Education's request for an immediate, distance learning-based solution, we are fully prepared to fulfill this need quickly and effectively."

About Learn 360
With over 8,000 digital video titles, Learn360 gives educators and students the power to meet and exceed 21st century educational expectations. Setting a superior standard of quality for video streaming, Learn360 delivers the rich resources educators need to bring standards-based and differentiated instruction to students everywhere. Learn360 is a division of AIM Education, Inc., which includes Sunburst Visual Media, the leading producer of K-12 health and guidance programs for over 30 years. For more information, or to sign up for a free 30-day trial, visit www.learn360.com.