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Integrated Solutions Computers are already widely in use in primary and secondary schools in a number of countries. Large numbers of pupils have access to computer and the internet from their homes. Many textbook publishers addressing the K-12 market have developed educational software that compliments their traditional printed materials. However, there are very few examples of integrated virtual learning environments which offer powerful and easy to use platforms to assist teachers and students in their everyday collaboration and fully exploit the potential in e-learning technologies. The two major components necessary for e-learning activity are an LMS (Learning Management System) and the educational electronic content. YDP offers both - the LEO e-learning platform and Universal Curriculum content. The two elements combined together within one coherent system are the basis of creating a sophisticated virtual learning environment. The diagram below presents the general role of each element in the learning process:  Universal Curriculum consists of thousands of Learning and Teaching Objects prepared to the highest possible standard. The Learning Objects are deployed within the LEO e-learning platform (LMS) and can be accessed by students at any time from any location. The LMS records students' actions as they access the Learning Objects content and stores information such as the number of sessions and time spent with a particular part of the content, along with full details about their results with the exercises and activities they worked on. This information can then be accessed later by the teacher, who may contact each individual student to give comments, suggest revisions, assign additional tasks or provide access to the next part of the course. The Teaching Objects, also a part of Universal Curriculum content, consist of presentation materials such as drawings, photos, maps, films, animations, interactive experiments and simulations.. All these materials are used in a classroom and help the teacher to perform in a more interesting manner for students, thus delivering more effective lectures. The Teaching Objects may be deployed within the LEO platform but are usually delivered offline, on CD or DVD-ROM. They are accessed directly from the teacher's PC connected with the projector and preferably, but not necessarily, displayed on an interactive Whiteboard. Both the LEO e-learning platform and Universal Curriculum e-content are developed in full compliance with AICC/SCORM standards, allowing them to co-operate with a wide variety of LMS systems or electronic content packages offered by other vendors. However, by using the LEO LMS in conjunction with Universal Curriculum content, a fully integrated solution is achieved, offering functionality and options far beyond the content and definition of these standards. e-learning technologies are already widely adopted in higher education and it seems that such use of technology is also the inevitable direction of education development at primary and secondary school level, drawing together the advantages of attractiveness for pupils and efficiency for teachers, in adapting similar solutions to the specific needs of the K-12 market. Flexibility and the generic nature of Universal Curriculum e-Content and e-Learning platform, combined with YDP's software development capabilities, make the product an invaluable resource for any organisation interested in obtaining a fast, cost effective and absolutely top quality offering for the emerging K-12 e-market.
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