Learning Resources

Cengage Learning Unveils Digital Study and Assessment Tool

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 01/06/15

Cengage Learning's 4LTR Press has launched 4LTR Press Online, a digital learning tool featuring personalized study and assessment resources.

Designed for use on PCs or mobile devices, 4LTR Press Online is built around student "learnflow," the workflow behind learning, according to information released by the company.

"4LTR Press Online uses a two-pathway approach to learning to include the pedagogy of a printed textbook and the concept mapping and functionality of an Internet search engine," according to a news release. "To render the results of the printed textbook, 4LTR Press Online was designed to ensure that end-users are always aware of their place within the text. Major headings are provided easily in the front of each section so that students can navigate the text as easy as the flip of a page."

The second pathway attempts to discourage student use of search engines, which can point them to inaccurate resources, by using concept tags and indexing learning resources to mimic search engine results, allowing students to find related content aligned with course goals.

Concept tags are also used in 4TLR Press Online's StudyBits and StudyBoard features, which aim to help students personalize their study. As students read, they can collect bits of information to create their own StudyBits, which are then sent to the StudyBoard where they are filtered by concept tags, understanding and category to aid in organization. From the StudyBoard, students can create flashcards using their personal bits or chapter quizzes.

"Print textbooks have been successful for hundreds of years because of their scope and sequence, and the pedagogy and convenience that they provide – but often that scope and sequence gets lost in digital products," said Neil Marquardt, vice president and general manager at 4LTR Press, in a prepared statement. "At Cengage Learning, we're squarely focused on the needs of the today's students. The 4LTR Press Online experience redefines digital learning and addresses the tension of scope and sequence based on input and product testing with students. We understand that everyone learns in different ways. That's why we constantly gather feedback to ensure that our products evolve with today's students so they're engaged and primed for success."

4LTR Press Online will be available for introductory marketing and psychology courses beginning in fall of 2015 at the same price for digital only and digital and print versions. More information is available at solutions.cengage.com/4LTR-Press.