New York (Nov. 30, 2011) – There is a science to learning: how well people absorb, process and remember new concepts and skills can be dependent on how the information was transferred to them. Was it through a lecture or video, through drills or individual problem-solving, through collaborative group work – or some combination and variation? A growing body of research indicates that blended-learning programs, which combine multiple modes of instruction, are most effective – and the proliferation of ever-advancing technologies adds greater depth to the equation. Online learning environments today are far more sophisticated than a decade ago. Beyond synchronous and asynchronous options, adaptive platforms, interactive tools and mobile technologies offer a breadth of instructional and learning opportunities. Furthermore, students now expect interactive, digital learning. They want the same experiences in school that they seek outside school.

Kaplan ’s white paper, “Online and Blended Learning: What the Research Says,” offers an easy-to-digest overview of how best to harness online and blended formats and to apply instructional best practices to deliver effective programs. Pulling from a breadth of research in cognitive and neuroscience, white paper author Marcella Bullmaster-Day, Ed.D., the Associate Director of the Lander Center for Educational Research at Touro College, highlights key findings and outlines a prescription for engaging students in ways that result in long-term learning and academic success.

There were three key findings from the research:

Effective online and blended learning…

• Is personalized and adaptive to meet individual learning needs
• Supports high levels of cognitive engagement in meeting learning objectives
• Balances computer- or teacher-led guidance with learner control

With more than 70 years of experience in preparing students for high-stakes exams, Kaplan’s programs combine proven methodology, data-driven learning from millions of students, academic best practices, and adaptive technologies to deliver effective learning outcomes.

About Kaplan K12 Learning Services

Kaplan K12 Learning Services (www.kaplank12.com), a unit of Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com), partners with schools to measurably propel student achievement. Kaplan K12 offers state test readiness programs to help students meet and exceed state standards, and college preparation solutions that support students as they prepare for college entrance exams and the admissions process. Its solutions also provide teachers with robust Kaplan K12 resources and professional development support to impact achievement in their classrooms. Kaplan Test Prep is a division of Kaplan Inc. (www.kaplan.com), a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

Contacts

Kaplan K12 Learning Services
Carina Wong
212-453-7571
carina.wong aat kaplan dot com
www.kaplan.com

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Kristen Plemon
608-216-7300 x18
kristen aat cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com

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