Hi George,

You might also call Plato (plato.com) the Granddaddy of learning systems.  They
were one of the first to put together a complete computer-based learning and
management system.  Their Web site says that they've been around since 1963, but
I'm a bit unsure about the delivery technology back then.  I used their software
several years ago and found it to be the most comprehensive system available in
its coverage of secondary-level content.  

Plato has now progressed to include a version for both local network and
Web-hosted delivery.  They offer content from elementary through post-secondary
levels.

I know that Kentucky has used Plato as part of their Virtual University and
Virtual High School projects.  Would someone on the list from Kentucky like to
comment about Plato?  Are there other multi-site programs out there?

This is a little off-topic in our discussion of multimedia, but we might ask
users of other systems delivered on a multi-site, statewide, or regional basis
to post their opinion.

David C.

-----Original Message-----
From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf
Of George Demetrion
Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2006 9:35 AM
To: The Technology and Literacy Discussion List
Subject: [Technology] PLato

Hello David and Alex,

Thanks for taking the time here.

At Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford we have a 12 station (and
expanding) computer lab with Lexia and Ellis networked and a variety of free
standing software programs and web-based links.  We have a full time lab manager
and are expanding this aspect of our program a great deal.

We are giving consideration to the Plato learning system, which someone very
prominent in the technology referred to it as the Cadillac of technology-based
instruction http://www.plato.com/index.asp.  Someone else, whose competency in
the realm of technology who I respect a great deal expressed more caution in
terms of the limited range of learning theory (more stimulus-response than
constructivism) built into Plato.
As an aside, I think our students are well served if we work hard at integrating
behaviorist and constructivist approaches to learning.

  What do you see as the pros and cons of this Cadillac for an adult literacy
(below GED) that provides basic literacy instruction for adults from beginning
to pre-GED levels and an ESOL program across the spectrum?  We also offer
elective courses to adults who are not enrolled in our regular program and are
targeting more advanced BL and ESOL students in this area. 

I am aware that an agency can customize a program to meet our own current and
emergent program needs.  We've had a demo and there's much that I like, but I'd
like to hear some meaty pro and con discussion.

George Demetrion
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford
www.lvgh.org



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