Thursday, August 5, 2010

“Parents invited to homeschooling info session” plus 1 more

“Parents invited to homeschooling info session” plus 1 more

Parents invited to homeschooling info session

Posted: 04 Aug 2010 02:02 PM PDT

There will be a homeschool informational meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, at the Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave., for current and prospective homeschooling parents.

Homeschooling parents and representatives from the Linn-Benton-Lincoln ESD will talk about homeschooling techniques and laws in Oregon. There will be a question-and-answer time, and informational papers will be provided.

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Jeff Computers Launches Upgrade to StudyX Study Software & Flash Card Creator

Posted: 05 Aug 2010 08:16 AM PDT

Press Release Source: Jeff Computers On Thursday August 5, 2010, 11:16 am

ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwire - 08/05/10) - Jeff Computers today launched version 5.0 of its StudyX customizable study software which is designed to help students (elementary to graduate) learn facts faster, retain them longer, and have more fun while studying. The program includes some built-in material students might be studying, or allows students, teachers or homeschooling parents to enter their own in a question and answer format. Once material is entered, the versatile study options include study games, on-screen or paper flash cards, autopilot studying, study sheets, and multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank and matching tests.

An intelligent engine tracks students' progress while they study on screen using digital flash cards, study games and practice tests. The software tallies correctly-answered questions, focuses on questions needing the most studying, and congratulates students on mastering their material after correctly answering all questions twice. Or, if students prefer paper, they can print flash cards, study sheets and/or practice tests.

Enhancements in version 5.0 include:

  • Redesigned study games feature better graphics and gameplay: Maze, Tunnel, Ping Pong, Math Practice and Multiplayer Trivia which is fun for classrooms
  • New Multiplayer Decity game allows players to build a city and defend it from missiles while answering questions to score
  • Automatic download of definitions from Wikipedia saves time when entering question/answer sets
  • Autopilot study option pops-up questions while students perform other computer tasks
  • Improved foreign language study with diacritical marks (accent, tilde, umlaut, etc) added automatically
  • Avery index cards added as a printed flash card option
  • More robust user interface with comprehensive pop-up instructions and expanded quick start guide

Jeff Minnis began developing StudyX as a sophomore computer science major at Webster University when he couldn't find any study software like it. "I enjoyed the computer more than textbooks," said Minnis, "and I expected there were similar students who would like software to make studying less boring."

Minnis set out to create a tool that went way beyond flash card functionality to appeal to various learning styles. He developed prototypes throughout college and began selling StudyX in 2005.

The study database is expected to grow over time, and already includes useful question/answer sets including vocabulary words in 48 languages, history facts (US presidents, colonization, war and diplomacy), basic math (+,-,x,%), scientific terms (cells, periodic table) and social studies facts (US state capitals, country capitals, US government). Users are also encouraged to share their newly-created study files with others via the StudyX forum.

With 1000 vocabulary words each in 48 languages, StudyX is useful for both English-speaking students and for students learning English as a second language (ESL).

Beyond classroom learning, StudyX also helps those with a passion for learning. Software industry veteran Jay Brandt wanted to learn Spanish to communicate with the Peruvian family he connected with during a mission trip. The 64-year-old Minnesotan tried several flash card programs. "I liked StudyX better because I didn't have to be online, I could create or import my own lists, and there were study options beyond flash cards," said Brandt. He visited the Peruvian family recently and plans more trips. "I give myself an A- in Spanish now."

StudyX is free to try (30-day trial) or $39.99 to buy from www.studyx.com, CNET Download.com, Tucows.com, Brothersoft.com, Amazon.com, Jeff Computers and college bookstores around St. Louis. The program is simple to install and use, and works on Windows XP/Vista/7 and newer. Existing customers may upgrade for free by simply downloading the new version. Free online training sessions are offered on the first Thursday of each month at 5 pm Central.

About Jeff Computers:
Jeff Minnis started Jeff Computers when he was 12 years old doing computer tutoring. Today, the company is repairing computers, designing and hosting websites and marketing the StudyX program. The company is located at 14366 Manchester Rd., Manchester, MO, 63011, Phone: (636) 256-7901, and online at http://JeffComputers.com

Note to editors: Downloadable photos are available from the Press Room and Jeff Minnis is available for interviews.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1326081
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1326090

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