Across the nation, many students struggle to learn their course materials with the same proficiency as their peers. Pearson, the global leader in education and education technology, hopes to lift this barrier with the release of Pearson HTMLbooks.
By producing HTML digital versions of course materials, Pearson takes a leap forward in leveling the playing field for students, providing equal access to its market-leading textbooks and educational programs. Pearson HTMLbooks will open the door to content for English language learners, students with print disabilities, struggling readers, homeschoolers, and students interested in using a variety of browsers and software tools to learn.
“We believe HTML content delivers on our commitment to provide education materials to all children regardless of their circumstances,” said Peter Cohen, CEO of Curriculum for Pearson K-12. He added, “With our investment in the HTML format, we can respond more quickly to the needs of the student community. Functionality is improved; access is improved; education will improve – and that is our ultimate goal.”
Pearson HTMLbooks will provide a more immediate, flexible response to student needs than is currently available. Students can go online or use a CD-ROM to access Pearson’s leading education content.
Unveiled at the National Instructional Materials Access Standard (NIMAS) Implementation Advisory Council meeting, Pearson HTMLbook moves the needle forward by incorporating features that are critical to the success of students with print disabilities. Students can then apply layers of assistive technology, such as screen readers that read the digital text aloud.
Through the HTML format, many of Pearson’s math titles also will include a specialized electronic format that opens a new awareness of complex math equations for print-disabled students by displaying equations as text, not as images. Verbal descriptions of pictures, charts and graphics, which have traditionally been inaccessible to students with sight disabilities, may be included.
“Pearson is taking a leadership role with Pearson HTMLbook, which offers a clean layout and easy navigation controls with attractive and readable pages,” said Chuck Hitchcock, Director of the NIMAS Technical Assistance Center. “The HTML format allows students to unlock textbook content in an innovative way.”
About Pearson
Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education and education technology, reaches and engages today's digital natives with effective and personalized learning, as well as dedicated professional development for their teachers. This commitment is demonstrated in the company's investment in innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. The company's respected brands include Scott Foresman, Prentice Hall, Addison Wesley, Benjamin Cummings, PEMSolutions, Stanford 10, SuccessNet, MyLabs, PowerSchool, SuccessMaker and many others. Pearson's comprehensive offerings help inform targeted instruction and intervention so that success is within reach of every student at every level of education. Pearson's commitment to education for all is supported by the global philanthropic initiatives of the Pearson Foundation. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information, go to www.pearson.com .
