REDMOND, WASHINGTON, U.S.A., 1998 AUG 11 (NB) -- By Matt Hines, Newsbytes. Microsoft Corp. [NASDAQ:MSFT] rolled out the newest version of its tutorial software for children today, labeled "My Personal Tutor 1st and 2nd Grade." The three CD-ROM set is aimed at helping younger elementary school students develop math, reading, and thinking skills with the aid of Microsoft TutorAssist learning technology.
The suite of programs has been designed to pinpoint areas where a child is "most challenged" using Tutor Assist, the company said. This version has adapted the application utilized in previous versions of the software and tailored it to meet the needs of students ages six to eight years old.
An interactive teacher, Professor P.T. Presto, who is an animated clay figure, appears to the user whenever it is sensed that the student is experiencing a difficulty with a particular concept, according to Microsoft.
Microsoft said that it designed the programs to teach and entertain at the same time. The company said that Personal Tutor 1st and 2nd Grade features a journey through outer space, playing hide-and-seek in a virtual museum, venturing on a sea quest, and interacting with a cast of various characters.
This latest version of Personal Tutor also features functions to allow parents to check in on their child's progress, Microsoft said. As the child works through the various tasks on the software, a progress report is developed which charts the student's route through the various subjects.
Microsoft said that it worked with a number of educational institutions in developing the tutorial software. Among these groups were the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Microsoft said
Also available in the product line is "My Personal Tutor Preschool and Kindergarten," a suite of products made for children ages three to six. Microsoft said that in this product, a set of three CD-ROMs guide children through early-learning concepts with multimedia tutorials. The suite also includes "Preschool Workshop," "Alphabet Playhouse," and "Reader Railway," as well as a bonus advanced-math CD, called "Mathopolis."
Microsoft is reporting that My Personal Tutor 1st & 2nd Grade is scheduled to be available at retailers nationwide in September for an estimated retail price of $34.95.
More information on the product can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/kids/ .
My Personal Tutor Preschool & Kindergarten is also scheduled to be available in stores in September for an estimated retail price of $34.95.
Reported By Newsbytes News Network http://www.newsbytes.com
(19980811/WIRES PC/)
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