The New York Times Launches National Education Website
Posted on September 16, 1998
The New York Times Electronic Media Company has announced the launch of the Learning Network, a new education website and on-line resource for educators, parents, and students in grades 6 through 12. The New York Times Learning Network provides, free of charge, a daily lesson plan and comprehensive interactive resources based on the content of the newspaper.
"Each and every day The New York Times publishes a wealth of information that cuts across the many different curricula used in our secondary schools," said Martin Nisenholtz, president of The New York Times Electronic Media Company. "Whether it's science news, world history or vocabulary-building, students, teachers and parents across the country can now enhance the learning experience through this interactive and engaging site."
In addition to new lesson plans appearing daily, teachers will also benefit from an archived database of past lesson plans categorized by subject, and the ability to submit and share lesson plans of their own with their peers nationwide. "The Internet is the ultimate knowledge-sharing medium," said Mr. Nisenholtz. "In using the Learning Network, teachers will find a trusted home on the Internet where they can be confident in the quality and credibility of the site's content." In addition to lesson plans, teachers will find education news from the pages of The New York Times, information about The New York Times's Newspaper In Education program, and links to other quality education-oriented Websites.
Students will have access to news summaries with built-in vocabulary and geography builders, a "daily news quiz," which is graded on-line, and a monthly themed crossword puzzles edited by Will Shortz, editor of The New York Times Crossword Puzzle. In addition, students will be able to submit "letters to the editor" for possible publication on the site, and ask questions to various New York Times reporters through the "Ask a Reporter" feature. Students can also use "Navigator" to find links to other valuable websites, including sites to help them with homework and school research.