Instructional technology

Apex Learning, known primarily as a publisher of online Advanced Placement courses for high schools, announced the expansion of its course catalog for the 2007-08 school year. Aiming to provide a full suite of internet resources for use in online and traditional brick-and-mortar schools, the company now will offer standards-based digital curricula for a range of disciplines, including math, science, English, social studies, and world languages. Apex says its new offerings will give the company a course selection capable of meeting the graduation requirements of most states. http://www.apexlearning.com

AutoSkill introduced an optional SpanishTutor module for its Academy of Math intervention software. Designed for struggling Spanish-speaking English Language Learners (ELL) in elementary, middle, and high school, the offering was created to meet a rising demand for educational resources devoted to teaching ELL students. "Some students are behind in math, not because of poor math skills, but because they are not able to read and understand the tutorials and instruction," said Kari Simpson-Anderson, director of product management. "We're providing Hispanic students with the language support they need to ... focus on the math, not the language barrier." A similar SpanishTutor module is available for AutoSkill's Academy of Reading software. http://www.autoskill.com

Knowledge Adventure has released an updated version of its Kid Works Deluxe creative reading and writing software. Described as an "all-in-one publishing tool," the program combines a word processor and paint program to help elementary students produce their own media-rich stories. "Kid Works Deluxe has been a staple software program in elementary schools for 10 years," said CEO David Blumstein. "It has been many years since the program has undergone a major revision, and we felt it was time to take advantage of new technologies to make this program even better." http://www.knowledgeadventureschool.com

Learning Resources, which recently acquired California-based Educational Insights, showcased its new Radius Audio Learning System, a CD-based system for teaching a range of subjects. To use Radius, students insert one of the company's educational CDs and scan one of the accompanying cards. Step-by-step audio instructions guide students through a variety of activities, and an interactive audio feature provides immediate feedback for self-checking and reinforcement. Radius components, which are sold separately, include Radius Interactive Math Kits for grades 1-2, Radius Interactive Science Kits for grades 35, Radius Reading Strategy Kits for grades 3-5, Radius CD Card Sets for phonics and reading for grades preK-3, and Radius CD Card Sets for English-language learners. Each set reportedly is correlated with state and national standards. http://www.learningresources.com