• PLATO Learning Environment™ (PLE™) Assessment Feedback Design Change
• PLE Enhancement: Custom Course Identifier
• PLE Enhancement: Redesign of Text Passage Layout in PLE Assessments
• PLE Issue Fixed: Mastery and Completion Roll-up for Custom Assignments
• Academic Systems® Algebra Updates

• Adobe Flash Player® Issues

• New Instruction and Assessment Reports Release on PLE
• Client-Hosted PLATO® Web Learning Network 5.1 Release

• Reminder: Updated PLATO® Support Center Web Site
• New Solutions in the Knowledge Base

• Podcast: Does Gaming Belong in Education?

PLATO Learning Environment™ (PLE™) Assessment Feedback Design Change

The assessments included with many of our instructional products provide students with immediate feedback on responses to assessment questions. We recently removed the answer feedback from both PLATO® Courses (Pretests and Post Tests) and Straight Curve® Mathematics (Readiness and Benchmark Pretests and Post Tests). This was done in response to requests from many customers to accommodate more testing scenarios. For more information, read the article at the PLATO® Support Site.

PLE Enhancement: Custom Course Identifier

We have implemented a new usability feature within PLE that helps administrators and instructors easily identify assignments that have been customized, published, and assigned through Course Builder. Several areas of PLE use the the new identification feature.

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PLE Enhancement: Redesign of Text Passage Layout in PLE Assessments

We have redesigned test structures that contain reading passages. The tests that have been changed are contained only within PLATO Courses and Straight Curve Mathematics. Prior to the change, when an online test includes a reading passage, learners had to use both a vertical and horizontal scroll bar. Learners will now access text passages in assessments using a pop-up window.

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PLE Issue Fixed: Mastery and Completion Roll-up for Custom Assignments

We recently discovered inconsistencies in how mastery and completion are reported when using assignments that have been customized through Course Builder. We have corrected the inconsistencies in the rules managing mastery and completion for customized assignments.

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Academic Systems® Algebra Updates

Many updates and fixes were made to Academic Systems® Algebra and were released on March 7, 2008. These include fixes for issues with scoring, incorrect answers, and typos. All text entry questions were linked to the math engine to assist with alternative answer processing. See the full release notes here.

Adobe Flash Player Issues

A version of Adobe Flash Player is pre-installed with most popular Internet browsers. Sometimes, problems with a Flash Player that is already installed can prevent you from upgrading to the latest player. You can resolve almost all difficulties by taking the steps described in the following solutions:

PLE: How to Troubleshoot Flash Player Plug-In Problems

CHPWLN: How to Troubleshoot Flash Player Plug-In Problems

PWLN: How to Troubleshoot Flash Player Plug-In Problems

New Instruction and Assessment Reports Release on PLE

We are pleased to announce the addition of a series of new instruction and assessment reports on the PLATO Learning Environment (PLE). In addition to the reports currently available on PLE, the 11 new reports will significantly enhance the experience for PLE subscribers, helping educators work more efficiently and get more from the total investment in PLATO Learning solutions. Access to these reports is automatic with a PLE subscription, so subscribers can immediately take advantage of the new reports to positively impact teaching and learning program.

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Client-Hosted PLATO® Web Learning Network 5.1 available 4/11/08

Client-Hosted PWLN version 5.1 provides a number of fixes to PLATO® courseware and includes improved functionality, significantly improving performance. To see which courseware issues were addressed, please search the PLATO Product Update Center after April 1, 2008.

The upgrade is available April 11, 2008, at no charge if your software support contract is current. To receive your upgrade kit, submit an upgrade request. Your kit will ship in 1–3 weeks.

Too busy to install the upgrade yourself? Remote installation services and field engineering services are available from PLATO Learning. Call 1.800.44.PLATO or e-mail marketing@plato.com for details.

Does your school offer all the courses your students need? Are enough licenses available when your students log in? To purchase new courses or additional licenses for existing courses, call 1.800.44.PLATO or e-mail marketing@plato.com.

Reminder: Updated PLATO® Support Center Web Site

The PLATO® Support Center Web site (at its regular location: http://support.plato.com) was launched last month, with new and improved content and features. Click here to learn more and visit the updated site today! Please give any feedback to the knowledge base team by sending an e-mail to kb@plato.com.

Take a look at the following knowledge article: How to install, uninstall, or reinstall PLATO courseware on Pathways

New Solutions in the Knowledge Base

AS Algebra: How to Transfer Student Into Different Section in AS Algebra

PLE: How to Remove Students or Teachers from Class in PLE

PLE: ERROR: "The System has Encountered an Error: Log ID xxxxx" During Batch Enrollment

PLE: ERROR: "Duplicate User - User May Already Exist in Account. Check List Below for Duplicate" When Creating User with State ID in PLE

PLE: ERROR: "Enter a Unique PLATO Name" When Trying to Create User in PLE

PWLN: What Does Folder with Green Star on Learner Menu Represent in PWLN?

CHPWLN: ERROR: "Internal Problem - General Script Error - Object Not in Database" Trying to Edit or Create PWLN User

CHPWLN: ERROR: "Do You Want to Save this File?" Trying to Run Shockwave Lessons (Math Exp, Beg Rdg); Can't Load PLATO Xtras

CHPWLN: How to Change Names of Activities in a Published Learning Path in PWLN?

Podcast: Does Gaming Belong in Education?

In this month's edition of our podcast series, PLATO Learning's Group Product Manager Andy Frost, and Director of Curriculum Development, Dave Adams, discuss the validity of using games as an educational tool, especially when teaching today's digital natives. Listen now!

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If you have ideas for topics you'd like us to cover in an upcoming podcast, we welcome your suggestions. Send your feedback to web@plato.com.