learndirect Takes Read Together Online
03/07/2009
In time for summer holidays and in support of the government's drive to improve English skills and digital literacy, the online learning provider learndirect has expanded its successful Read Together campaign to include two online books and a new game.
The interactive books, “The Journey to Darkest Somewhere” and “The House of Scary Words” let readers become the main characters and change details within the stories, while encouraging both children and parents to apply basic English while they play.
The books follow the launch of learndirect’s online Legula Adventure game, a free, fun tool to engage families in further learning and improve English and maths.
Kirstie Donnelly, Products and Marketing director at learndirect says; "At learndirect we know that digital learning is the way to bring life and learning together through the best use of technology and the internet. With increasing access to broadband and the internet at home and in the workplace, more people will need better digital skills to help them make the most of opportunities to learn online and access online services. Improving digital literacy skills will open doors to many more potential learners and is key to realising the benefits of learning in the 21st Century.
"We are constantly adapting to the changing needs of learning – whether that is helping our learners develop their digital life skills or helping them benefit from the new digital landscape. The books are the latest example of how learndirect is embracing the popularity of the internet to improve basic skills. Having looked at internet usage and attitudes among our target audience we identified an opportunity to engage with parents and their children in a novel way, at the same time helping develop their digital skills whilst enjoying a family learning experience online,” she says.
learndirect is working with Ofcom’s consortium of stakeholders promoting Digital Participation. Stewart Purvis, who chairs the consortium, said: “It is essential to support people as they develop the skills and confidence to benefit from digital media and communications. This learndirect project is a great example of how digital technology can be used to improve people’s lifestyle and life chances. We are delighted that learndirect continues to do such important work in this area.”
Backing the launch, celebrity mum and Waterloo Road actress, Angela Griffin, says: “As a parent myself, I know it’s important to have good reading skills to be able to keep up with, and be a part of, your child’s learning. The new online storybooks are brilliant – it’s such a fantastic way for families to read and play together. It’s helped bring reading to life for my daughter, and for me.”
ENDS
To access the books, play the game or find out more about learndirect, log onto: www.learndirect.co.uk/readtogether or call 0800 111 4216.
For further information, please contact:
Helen Crow or Liz Close in the learndirect press office on 0114 2915680 / hcrow@ufi.com / lclose@ufi.com