HOSTS Learning, a provider of research-based learning systems in reading and math for grades K through 12, has announced the introduction of LearnerLink.
The client end requires Mac OS 8.6 or higher (including Mac OS X). LearnerLink — which is built with Apple’s WebObjects technology — is an Internet-based classroom tool that gives teachers a method for managing classroom reading instruction. It empowers teachers to give online or offline assessments, use the data to create individualized or group lesson plans and match those lesson plans with existing reading textbooks or supplemental materials available in the classroom, HOSTS Learning spokesperson Jeni Cantley told MacCentral.
LearnerLink has referenced over 16,000 resources within its database, Cantley added. LearnerLink is a school-wide tool that teachers can use in their individual classroom, on a daily basis, with all students.
“LearnerLink is used to identify the instructional needs of an individual or group of students and link this to the print, online or basal materials teachers have in their classrooms, assisting the teacher in creating lesson plans that are correlated to local, state and/or national standards,” Cantley said. “LearnerLink doesn’t require the use of mentors and is used for daily instruction as well as enrichment and remediation. It’s currently focused on reading for preprimer through 8.0 reading levels. LearnerLink for Math will be added at a later date.”
While it’s convenient if there’s a computer in every classroom, it’s not necessary. To make the best use of the system, it is important that the teacher have easy access to a computer and printer that meets the system requirements, Cantley said. Most teachers will need access to this system on a weekly basis. Because the program is delivered via the Web, teachers may access the system from any computer with Internet access. In order to use the student online diagnostic features, it is important to have multiple computers with Internet connections.
Because LearnerLink is an Internet-based tool, the publisher and content information from HOSTS is being updated and expanded continuously. Additional teacher developed materials can easily be added to LearnerLink and linked to educational standards.
“We don’t provide the curriculum itself, but show you how to use everyone else’s curriculums,” Cantley said.
HOSTS LearnerLink is available to schools for immediate implementation. For more information on HOSTS Learning, visit the LearnerLink Web site.
HOSTS Learning also introduced the HOSTS Reading Centered School, a comprehensive school-wide literacy system designed to help schools meet the requirements of the re-authorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This offering is designed specifically to help schools applying for assistance through the Reading First program. For more info, go to the HOSTS Learning,Web site.