CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, March 1, 2005 - ProQuest Information and Learning has acquired ExploreLearning, producers of the world's largest online simulation library for math and science education. With an objective of helping learners make sense of complex scientific and mathematical principles, ExploreLearning offers modular, interactive math and science simulations (manipulatives) for teachers and students in grades six through 12.  Its growing base of support materials provides a powerful enhancement to the way teachers teach and students learn.

ExploreLearning brings research-based instructional methods for math and science to the classroom. The simulations, called Gizmos™, are designed to supplement curriculum materials and fully support state and national curriculum standards,” said Al DeSeta, President of K-12, ProQuest Information and Learning. “The use of manipulatives in science and math are proven to aid student success. With more than 400 Gizmo manipulatives online, ExploreLearning has helped thousands of students to grasp complex concepts.

“As the need for math and science literacy support grows, we will provide quality products to help support learning in these critical areas.  ProQuest is committed to supporting students with quality curriculum materials, and the acquisition of ExploreLearning leads our expansion into math and science support,” said DeSeta.

ExploreLearning has garnered a number of awards, including a Diamond Award in Mathematics from District Administration Magazine and an E-Learning Innovation Award from Macromedia Corporation; the company was also listed three times in Eisenhower National Clearinghouse's Digital Dozen. 

David Shuster, the founder of ExploreLearning, said, “The entire ExploreLearning team is delighted about becoming part of the ProQuest family.  ProQuest has a deep commitment to supporting teaching and learning and has great reach in the K-12 market. We look forward to working together to reach even more teachers and students."

ExploreLearning operations will remain in Charlottesville, Virginia. Customer service and technical support contacts will remain unchanged for customers. Customers can continue to access products at www.explorelearning.com. Free 30-day trials are available to educators.

If you would like further product information please e-mail marketing@proquest.co.uk

For all media enquiries contact Gina Ghensi, Communications Manager, gina.ghensi@proquest.co.uk

About ProQuest
ProQuest creates specialized information resources and technologies that propel successful research, discovery, and lifelong learning. A global leader in serving libraries of all types, ProQuest offers the expertise of such respected brands as Chadwyck-Healey™, UMI®, SIRS®, and eLibrary®. With Serials Solutions®, Ulrich's™, RefWorks®, COS™, Dialog® and now Bowker® part of the ProQuest brand family, the company supports the breadth of the information community with innovative discovery solutions that power the business of books and the best in research experience.

More than a content provider or aggregator, ProQuest is an information partner, creating indispensable research solutions that connect people and information. Through innovative, user-centered discovery technology, ProQuest offers billions of pages of global content that includes historical newspapers, dissertations, and uniquely relevant resources for researchers of any age and sophistication—including content not likely to be digitized by others. Inspired by its customers and their end users, ProQuest is working toward a future that blends information accessibility with community to further enhance learning and encourage lifelong enrichment.

For more information, visit www.proquest.com or the ProQuest parent company website, www.cambridgeinformationgroup.com.