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The Archive shows all news items listed in chronological order from the current year starting with the most recent item. Each listing consists of the item heading and a short synopsis. Click on the item heading to take you to the complete item. To view items from previous years click on the appropriate year listed below. This will take you to the section of this page designated for that year. Click on the date to open and close the archive for that year. Planet Learning's Album Indonesia reviewed by Pusat Bahasa at IALF Jakarta
Kity Karenisa and Esra Nelvi Siagian from the National Language Centre of Indonesia - Pusat Bahasa - visited IALF Jakarta recently to discuss resources for the teaching of Indonesian as a foreign language. Kity and Esra met with IALF teachers Asjik Mubanar and Tetty Simanjuntak and were particularly interested in the Album Indonesia CD Rom. This resource, recently revised and updated, is produced by Planet Learning and is an excellent multi-media learning resource at the beginner level. Kity and Esra were also interested to know how the IALF promoted its Indonesian language program to foreigners living in Jakarta and discussed the possibility of creating a database of providers of Indonesian language training to expatriates in Indonesia. *Source: IALF Newsletter, Issue 18:December 2006 Planet Learning exhibits at English Australia Conference, Perth, September 2006
For the fifth consecutive year Planet Learning has sponsored the English Australia Conference held this year from 14-16 September 2006 at the Parmelia Hilton Hotel in Perth, Western Australia. Planet Learning is delighted to be able to support English Australia, which is the representative body for quality public and private English language colleges in Australia. It was also an excellent opportunity to showcase the latest version of Planet English™ to local, interstate and international delegates attending the conference. Planet Learning General Manager, Peter Mackey commented, "the English Australia conference is always a great chance to catch up with friends, colleagues and competitors from around Australia and overseas to discuss issues affecting the national and international ELT sector." Ms Sue Blundell, Executive Director of English Australia said, "The Australian ELT industry relies on the support of a range of stakeholders for its future and this includes the the important contribution made by conference sponsors such as Planet Learning, which has supported English Australia conference consistently in the past." Planet Learning welcomes new Australian client, Carrick Institute of Education
Planet Learning is delighted to be welcoming its latest Australian client, Carrick Institute of Education. Carrick Institute of Education offers courses in English language as well as a range of vocational programs. Planet English™ will be used at both their Melbourne and Sydney campuses on all English language programs from ELICOS, EAP and EVP. Planet Learning General Manager, Peter Mackey, commented, "Carrick Institute of Education has put a lot of time and effort into developing a comprehensive Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) strategy for their English language students and we are delighted that Planet English will be a key element of that strategy." On-site installation and training was carried out at the Melbourne campus in the last week of June and the Sydney campus is due for implementation around the middle of July 2006. Sener Alkan, Director of Studies at the Melbourne campus said, "....Choosing Planet English as a major component of our CALL program at Carrick was the end result of an extensive quality assurance process that involved the careful evaluation of the many products that are available in the global domain of computer-assisted ESL education today. The seamless integration of the Planet English software program into our existing infrastructure represents a turnkey solution with synergies that will result in the streamlined delivery of our courses without significant capital investment or staff training. The ongoing ancillary support from Peter Mackey and his team means that we will be well resourced if any technical issues arise in the future.” Planet Learning sponsors NEAS Australia, DoS Conference 2006
For the third consecutive year Planet Learning has sponsored the NEAS DoS Conference held this year in May 2006 at the Swissotel in Sydney. Planet Learning is delighted to be able to support NEAS Australia, the independent not-for-profit body responsible for maintaining high standards of service provision in English language teaching in Australia. It was also an excellent opportunity to showcase the latest version of Planet English™ to local, interstate and international delegates attending the conference. Planet Learning General Manager, Peter Mackey commented, "The NEAS DoS conference is always a great chance to catch up with friends, colleagues and competitors from around Australia and overseas to discuss issues affecting the national and international ELT sector." An interesting development at this year's conference was the announcement that NEAS Australia has been asked to become more involved with standards accreditation internationally. Initially, NEAS Australia will be working closely with The Indonesia Australia Language Federation (IALF), one of Planet Learning's longest standing clients, to initiate an equivalent standards accreditation system in Indonesia. The provision of quality ELT services is a key point of differentiation for Australia in the international ELT market.
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Presentation Ceremony of Planet English licence donation to Al Muslim Univerity. From left: Mr Hendro Susanto, IALF; Mr Mick Stephens, Australian Honorary Consul General, Medan, Sumatra; Mr Michael Fay, Associate Director, Asean Focus Group; Mr. Saliman, Deputy Director STMIK-Mikroskil Computer College; Tengku Silvana Sinar, Coordinator Private Education and Training, North Sumatra and Aceh Province; Mr. Husni Abdullah, representative from Al Muslim University, Bireuen, Aceh Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Michael Fay, Hendro Susanto, Tengku Silvana Sinar present Planet English to the attendees of the workshop at Mikroskil |
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Group photo from left to right: Manuel Labbe, Banco del Desarrollo; Dr. Rodrigo A. Fabrega Lacoa, Chilean Ministry of Education; Eduardo Rodriguez Olivares, SENCE; Ms Maxine Penter, Destinos; Pietro Corsi, Endesa Chile; Ms Margaret Leonard, Institute of Languages, UNSW; Michel Faure Bastias, Andes Experience; Juan Hernan Alvarez Guzman, Fundacion Minera Escondida; Peter Mackey, Planet Learning. |
Planet Learning was delighted to be invited to meet with a Chilean English language delegation last week in Sydney. The visit was arranged by the Australian Department of Science Education and Training (DEST) in co-operation with the Chilean Ministry of Education. The delegation was led by Dr. Rodrigo Fabrega, Director of 'The English Opens Doors' program. The group included senior officers associated with this program from the Chilean Ministry of Education as well as representatives of institutions that have declared English language training needs.
The objectives of the visit for the participants were to inform themselves about the Australian approach to English language teaching, teacher training and quality control as well as to seek out and identify opportunities to collaborate with Australian providers in the English language field.
The delegation met at the University of New South Wales, Institute of Languages on Wednesday 18 May, where they were given a presentation of Planet English by the General Manager of Planet Learning, Peter Mackey. The group had an opportunity to use the program individually and were able to learn more about how Planet English was developed in collaboration with The Institute of Languages. The delegation also met with the Director of The Institute of Languages, Ms. Margaret Leonard, Dr. Jill Murray, Head of Teacher Training and Ms. Annie Jackson, Acting Head of Department, ELICOS. Following these meetings Planet Learning hosted a lunch for the delegation at the Tyree Room Restaurant in the new Scientia building on the main campus of UNSW.
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Planet Learning General Manager, Peter Mackey, presenting Planet English to delegation at The University of NSW Institute of Languages. |
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Delegation using Planet English at The University of NSW Institute of Languages.
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Planet Learning would like to express its gratitude to DEST and The Institute of Languages for their kind assistance in making these meetings possible. Planet Learning looks forward to a continuing dialogue with all participants in the delegation about how Planet English can contribute to the development of English language skills in Chile.
Synopsis:
Planet Learning was one of the sponsors of the recent National English Language Training Accreditation Scheme
| Peter Mackey, General Manager, Planet Learning, and one of the conference delegates at the Planet English stand at the conference. |
Planet Learning was one of the sponsors of the recent National English Language Training Accreditation Scheme, (NEAS Australia), Dos Management Conference, held at the Swisshotel, Sydney 12-14 May, 2005.
Many of the sessions highlighted the increasing demand for computer based learning among students of English worldwide. A renewed interest in media rich interactive courseware was also evident from college inquiries.
Photographed above is the General Manager, Planet Learning, Peter Mackey and one of the conference delegates at the Planet English stand at the conference.
Synopsis:
Planet Learning warmly welcomes The University of Qatar
Planet Learning warmly welcomes The University of Qatar, who recently commenced use of Planet English at the end of 2004. The University is utilising Planet English on their English programs at both the men's and women's campuses in Qatar. Following is an article by Mr Aladdin Halwani from the English Language Unit at the men's campus, outlining their recent multimedia implemenation strategy, which incorporates Planet English
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The University of Qatar Campus in Doha. |
Multimedia at Qatar University
By Aladdin Halwani
Multimedia is the integration of text, graphics, audio, video, animation and telecommunications with computing. Multimedia applications have been used mainly in the fields of information, training and entertainment. Educational institutions have profitably used multimedia for language teaching. Educators have found that moving images, sound and music involve viewers emotionally as well as inform them and make their message more memorable. The English Department, under the umbrella of the Foundation Unit at Qatar University, a leading academic educational institution in the region, has used multimedia.
In its commitment to keep abreast of new developments in technologies and learning systems to give our students at Qatar University the skills to succeed in their academic work, as well as in a global work environment, the English Department has managed to harness into the chariot of language teaching two interactive multimedia software packages: Planet English and Focus on Grammar.
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Teachers from the University of Qatar attend a training session for Planet English. |
Planet English
Planet English ( PE ) is an exciting, high tech, interactive learning resource as part of an academic teaching program. It exploits Computer Assisted Language Learning technologies. Language is taught in context and carefully graded and recycled through a variety of interactive activities. PE provides students with the opportunity to compare their language and pronunciation with that of English speakers when recording their voices and comparing them to the original. PE offers a rich communicative environment and gives learners the opportunity to interact with English speakers through role play. Our students at Qatar University find Planet English a useful source of learning and enjoyment at the same time.
PE content is delivered on 8 CD-ROMs covering nearly 1000 hours of study materials. There are workbooks which support the activities on CDs. Each ( PE ) CD-ROM includes 5 units. The material within each unit is based on a contextual theme and organized into skills Modules, such as Speaking, Reading, Vocabulary, Grammar and the Pacific Park consolidation activities. In addition, there are assessment and pronunciation CDs. The assessment CD provides one test for each of the skills modules in each unit of the 8 content CDs. The pronunciation CD supports the learning pronunciation patterns, with both British English and American pronunciation options.
Focus on Grammar ( FOG )
This is yet another innovative multimedia software package which has been used by students at Qatar University for quite sometime. Through a variety of activities and skills, such as listening, reading, writing, as well as multi-purpose, specially-given grammar exercises, using multimedia technology, Focus on Grammar has been successful in presenting grammar in a new style, easy to learn and difficult to forget. Focus on Grammar is delivered on 3 CDs covering three levels of English: Basic, Intermediate and Upper-intermediate.
Multimedia will continue to be one of Qatar University paraphernalia to enhance the quality of education in Qatar.
Synopsis:
Planet Learning’s Technical Coordinator and Manager, Client Services travelled to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in June to set up and train the recently appointed distributor for that territory, ViUS Corp
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Pictured from left to right at the ViUS Corp office in Ho Chi Minh City are: Nhiem Tran, Aaron Huff, Duong Nguyen, David Holman, Mary Nguyen, Trinh Trinh, Bich Trang, Quang Pham, and Peter Mackey. |
Planet Learning’s Technical Coordinator, David Holman and Manager, Client Services, Peter Mackey travelled to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in June to set up and train the recently appointed distributor for that territory, ViUS Corp (Vietnam-US Corporation).
ViUS Corp will initially offer Planet English through newly established schools in Ho Chi Minh City and later the Mekong Delta region as well as starting to market the program to other schools in the region.
ViUS Corp Director, Mr Nhiem Tran, made the following observations about his hopes for Planet English in the territory of Vietnam, "ViUS Corp. is committed to providing the best educational tools available to Vietnam's English language learners. The Planet English program is a valuable asset in meeting that goal."
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Pictured are ViUS Corp staff during training with Peter Mackey and David Holman of Planet Learning. |
Synopsis:
Planet Learning is pleased to announce the appointment of Technowledgie Solutions, Qatar, as the Planet English distributor for the Middle East.
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Techknowledgie Solutions’ Marketing Manager Karthik Ramaiah and Planet Learning's Ian Tudor, pictured in front of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge during the distributor training in Sydney, Australia. |
Planet Learning is pleased to announce the appointment of Techknowledgie Solutions, Qatar, as the Planet English distributor for the Middle East.
Techknowledgie Solutions’ Marketing Manager Karthik Ramaiah visited Sydney last month to finalise the distribution agreement and to take part in distributor level product training.
Both companies are excited about the future prospects for the region and will shortly be announcing news of the first major client in that territory.
Synopsis:
Planet Learning was one of the sponsors of the recent National English Language Training Accreditation Scheme
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Peter Mackey, Manager - Client Services at Planet Learning, and one of the conference delegates at the Planet English stand at the conference |
Planet Learning was one of the sponsors of the recent National English Language Training Accreditation Scheme, (NEAS Australia), Dos Management Conference, held at the Swisshotel, Sydney 13-15 May, 2004.
Many of the sessions highlighted the increasing demand for computer based learning among students of English worldwide. A renewed interest in media rich interactive courseware was also evident from college inquiries.
Photographed above is the Manager, Client Services at Planet Learning, Peter Mackey and one of the conference delegates at the Planet English stand at the conference.
Synopsis:
Planet Learning is delighted to welcome their most recent Australian client, Chisholm Institute, located in Dandenong, Victoria, who commenced using Planet English with their ELICOS students in February this year.
| Pictured from left to right are: Damian Gleeson, Joanne Boyle, Maxine Sahhar (Manager, ELICOS, Chisholm Institute), Peter Mackey (Planet Learning), and Andrew Miller. |
Planet Learning is delighted to welcome their most recent Australian client, Chisholm Institute, located in Dandenong, Victoria, who commenced using Planet English with their ELICOS students in February this year.
Following the installation of the software last month, Chisholm teaching staff took part in a two day induction workshop on campus with Planet Learning's Manager, Client Services, Peter Mackey.
Planet Learning would like to acknowledge the assistance of Maxine Sahhar, Manager ELICOS, Chisholm Institute and her teaching staff who generously gave up their time during preparation week to take part in the training. Special thanks must also go to Chris Hoare, Online Services Engineer IT & T, who greatly assisted Planet Learning's Technical Coordinator, David Holman prior to and during the installation.
Chisholm Institute boasts very impressive facilities for overseas students and it is hoped that Planet English will further enhance its reputation in the ELICOS sector. Maxine Sahhar observed after the initial implementation phase, "I have been very impressed with the preparatory training provided and the level of back-up support for Planet English."
Maxine also reported that the teaching staff have commented that Planet English is "a breath of fresh air as it provides students with independent interactive learning opportunities in CALL sessions. Planet English gives students a fantastic opportunity to have independent access to interesting and contemporary learning materials".
Planet Learning looks forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship with Chisholm Institute in the future.Synopsis:
Planet Learning was delighted to meet Mr Hiroyuki Kotani and his wife Mayumi during their recent visit to Sydney in February.
| Pictured from left to right are: Mrs Mayumi Kotani, Peter Mackey and Mr Hiroyuki Kotani, in front of The Sydney Opera House. |
Planet Learning was delighted to meet Mr Hiroyuki Kotani and his wife Mayumi (pictured above) during their recent visit to Sydney in February. Mr Kotani is the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Japan National Student Association Fund (JNSA).
The JNSA Fund is a non-partisan organization dedicated to the promotion of greater understanding and trust among the people of the world. The JSNA Fund originated in 1946 and is supported by the presidents of some of Japan’s leading universities including, Tokyo University, Waseda University, Keio University, as well as other bodies such as The Japanese Foreign Ministry, The Ministry of Education, Prefectural Boards of Education and the Japan Broadcasting Corporation. Her Royal Highness, Princess Takamodo assumed the role of honorary patron of the JNSA Fund following the sad passing of Prince Takamado in November, 2002.
One of the main activities of the JNSA Fund is the annual Prince Takamodo Trophy All Japan Inter-Middle School Oratorical Contest, which attracts over 50,000 middle school student entrants each year from all parts of Japan. Entrants are required to make a speech in English on a topic of their choice and they are judged by representatives from a variety of fields within Japan, such as education, business and government.
Mr Kotani has been involved with the JNSA Fund since his retirement as an executive with the Sumitomo Corporation.
Ian Tudor, Chief Operating Officer and Peter Mackey, Manager Client Services, Planet Learning would like to thank Mr Kotani and his wife once again for the opportunity of meeting with them during their visit.
| Pictured from left to right are: Mr Ian Tudor, Mr Hiroyuki Kotani and Peter Mackey in front of The Sydney Harbour Bridge. |
Synopsis:
Planet Learning Pty Ltd is delighted to welcome a new Planet English licensee in New Zealand Te Wananga O Aotearoa
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The Te Wananga O Aotearoa staff at the Mangere Campus. Pictured from left to right are: Keith Hobson, Chundrika De Alwis, Christian Rangi, Helen Otto, Gwenda Pennington, Penelope East, Peter Mackey (Planet Learning), Amy House, David Holman (Planet Learning), Angela Stephens, Peter Sampson, Kanako Takata, Jorinde Alterton, Murdoch Tahere, Jeanette Distelbrink, Oladapo Adesina, Rene Burgess, John Xu, Caroline White. |
Planet Learning Pty Ltd is delighted to welcome a new Planet English licensee in New Zealand Te Wananga O Aotearoa, which has students from across New Zealand. Te Wananga O Aotearoa will initially use Planet English in Auckland, Hamilton and Gisborne.
Planet Learning would like to thank the management and teaching staff of all three campuses sincerly for their hospitality and for generously giving of their time during such a busy period to take part in the training over the two days.
Synopsis:
www.planetenglish.cl is the first Planet English web site in the world in a language other than English, and was created by and supported by Destinos S.A. in agreement with Planet Learning Pty Ltd.
At 10.20 am on Wednesday 22 October 2003, at the Destinos SA offices in Providencia Robert MacDonald, the Australia Trade Commissioner for Chile and Glenda Toffolon, Second Secretaire & Vice – Consul Australian Embassy Chile joined the Destinos SA team to press the button to send the Spanish version of the Planet English web site ‘live’.
| Pictured left to right are: Ricardo Bravo, Andrea Cornejo, Maxine Penter, Glenda Toffolon, Second Secretaire & Vice – Consul Australian Embassy Chile, Robert MacDonald, Australia Trade Commissioner for Chile, and Philippe Bravo. |
www.planetenglish.cl is the first Planet English web site in the world in a language other than English, and was created by and supported by Destinos S.A. in agreement with Planet Learning Pty Ltd.
According to Maxine J Penter, the CEO of DESTINOS SA, the launch was an exciting step forward in promoting the use of technologies in the area of English language learning. “One of the biggest advantages that PE has over its competitors, is that the Courseware Management System, (CMS) allows teachers to plan classes, set curriculum, record results and integrate Planet English with any other English learning materials in a extremely flexible way”.
“When you have such high profiled business leaders such as Andres Navarro CEO of SONDA saying, “what we need in Chile are businessmen, managers, and people ready to travel the world speaking good English and having good knowledge of technology and knowing how to sell. English is the language of business", and the Education Minister Sergio Bitar saying, "We need people who speak English” you can be sure that the demand for products such as Planet English will only increase.”
The ceremony marked the successful completion of this project by the Destinos SA team; Ricardo Bravo, Marketing Director, Philippe Bravo Marketing Manager & Technology, Laura Caracci President and Andrea Cornejo Marketing Assistant.
For further information about Planet English in Chile please visit www.planetenglish.cl or email Ricardo Bravo to info@planetenglish.cl
Synopsis:
On October 20th, Infinisys Ltd., Planet Learning's distributor in Japan, successfully carried out the installation of Planet English at the Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai.
| Pictured left are the teachers involved with the implementation of Planet English at Fukushi University. |
On October 20th, Infinisys Ltd., Planet Learning's distributor in Japan, successfully carried out the installation of Planet English at the Tohoku Fukushi University in Sendai. Tohoku Fukushi University became the second university in Japan to adopt Planet English, following Tohoku University which started using Planet English in April this year.Tohoku Fukushi University is one of the largest private universities in the north-eastern region of Japan, with a student body of several thousand.
Planet English has been installed in a newly prepared computer room designed exclusively for language study. Professors Suguru Araki and Kazuko Takahashi, who were instrumental in having Planet English adopted, intend to use it to give their students better all round skills in communicating in English.
Infinisys's president Dennis Heazle commented, "With two of the most well known universities in northern Japan now using Planet English, we hope that more and more institutions will come to recognize the benefits that the system offers."
| Pictured left is the Planet English lab at Fukushi University. |
Synopsis:
Beijing Foreign Studies University (BSFU), one of the most prestigious universities in foreign language training and study in China, implemented Planet English as part of the formal curriculum of its affiliated Translation Training Center in Sept. 2003.
| The official logo of Beijing Foreign Studies University |
Beijing Foreign Studies University (BSFU), one of the most prestigious universities in foreign language training and study in China, implemented Planet English as part of the formal curriculum of its affiliated Translation Training Center in Sept. 2003.
BFSU is a key university under the Ministry of Education (MOE). BFSU has long enjoyed an excellent reputation in the quality of its language teaching programs and has witnessed rapid development in teaching and research activities over the past two decades. BFSU is now incorporating more interdisciplinary programs and offers a variety of tertiary education programs including BA, MA, and Ph.D.
The Senior Translation Training Center of BFSU is now authorized by the National Education Department to be an official provider of commercial translation training programs. In addition, it is also authorised to issue qualified translation certification ranging from oral and written translation. The Senior Translation Training Center also conducts examinations organized by the National Testing Center.
Synopsis:
RMIT English Worldwide and Planet Learning have recently collaborated to standardise the delivery of Planet English at the RMIT English Worldwide Melbourne centre and all the off shore RMIT English Worldwide partner schools.
RMIT English Worldwide and Planet Learning have recently collaborated to standardise the delivery of Planet English at the RMIT English Worldwide Melbourne centre and all the off shore RMIT English Worldwide partner schools.
| Pictured from left are: Andreas Pohl Academic Manager RMIT English Worldwide, Kallie Rougos International Operations Manager RMIT English Worldwide, and Kelly Bartlett Project Officer RMIT English Worldwide. |
For some time now, the Planet English syllabus has been integrated into the RMIT English Worldwide academic program from pre-intermediate through to advanced levels.
This approach directs students and teachers to specific lessons from Planet English that support the content covered in each unit of the RMIT English Worldwide textbooks. The advantage of this collaboration means that students have access to both comprehensive, text-based materials as well interactive, supporting multi-media resources.
Now Planet Learning has pre-customised the courseware management system (CMS) for RMIT English Worldwide so that all assigned lessons are available to students and teachers on installation. This means that staff at all RMIT English Worldwide centres do not need to manually set up access to these lessons on site, through the Planet English CMS. This dramatically reduces the administrative workload for clients and cuts down on the amount of training required to get started with Planet English.
Recently, Planet Learning staff visited RMIT English Worldwide, Melbourne to upgrade their centre to the latest version of Planet English (V3.2) and to install this pre-customised CMS at the same time. Planet Learning is now in the process of implementing the new system across all off shore partner schools
Kelly Bartlett, Project Officer at RMIT English Worldwide commented during this recent visit, “RMIT English Worldwide is excited to learn more about the systems capability for a standardised CMS integration plan for Planet English, that can be adopted across all our partner schools worldwide. We are also pleased to see the new features that are offered in the new version of Planet English, especially the 'virtual CD' access”.
For more information about getting access to the Planet English and RMIT English Worldwide materials go to www.rmitenglishworldwide.com or www.planetenglish.com or contact info@planetenglish.com
Synopsis:
Planet Learning is in the process of upgrading all existing clients around the world to the latest version of the program (Version 3.2). Those centres who have not been upgraded already will shortly be contacted by Planet Learning or the distributor in your region to make the necessary arrangements. For any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact support@planetenglish.com
Below are the main enhancements and features of Planet English Version 3 (as of upgrade pack 3.2)
1. Planet English DVD edition and ‘virtual CD’ delivery is now available. To avoid the inconvenience of distributing CDs to students before and collecting them after class, Planet English can now be copied on to the hard drive of each workstation and accessed via a virtual CD drive. Please note this requires a minimum of 4 GB of free disk space on each workstation. Please contact support@planetenglish.com for details. Please also note that access to Planet English content can still be controlled by the CMS. This means students can still be restricted to specific content even though the content of all CDs resides on each workstation.
2. The Planet English server application in version 2 now runs as a service in version 3. The server application, which controls the license authentication process with the Planet English license server in Australia, needs to be running on the server in order for students and teachers to access Planet English from the workstations. In version 3, this now runs as a ‘service’, which means that as long as the server is on, the service will be running and Planet English will be accessible.
3. Significant improvement has been made to the underlying technical design of Planet English from both the server and workstation side to provide greater stability and performance to the end user. One example of this is the use of a TCP/IP based log in system, which has enabled a faster log in process and can facilitate much larger numbers of simultaneous log ins to a network.
4. The installation process has been greatly simplified to assist Planet English distributors and technical agents.
5. Planet English now has the potential to support non-English fonts in the Planet English database if the correct fonts are selected on the server.
6. Great improvements have been made to the CMS, in particular the user database now uses a more sophisticated process for importing and exporting student records to and from the database resulting in faster and more stable performance. Other improvements include:
- Dramatically increased the maximum number of students in a class
- Separate class reports available for a student enrolled in two classes that share the same content. Previously if a student re-attempted the same content (even as a student in a different class, their scores were over-written)
- Non-English characters can now be supported in the username and password fields used to log in to Planet English. Previously this displayed ‘invalid characters’ error message.
- Most lists such as the Programme, Course, Class and Lessons Editors now display all lists in alphanumeric order.
- Improvements to the display of the Assessment Reports page
7. You can now access the windows multimedia panel within Planet English by using the ‘ctrl + a’ keystroke.
8. The number pad can now be used as well as the number keys when entering numbers in the username and password.
9. Various data errors and bugs reported over the past 6-12 months have been comprehensively addressed and tested in version 3.2. These include:
- After deleting a user from the user database in version 3.0, their name still appeared in the class report
- The name field in the class reports section can now support a much larger number of characters
- Bugs reporting scoring anomalies in earlier versions have now been addressed
- All known data errors such as obscured fields, graphics etc have now been addressed
| The Login Screen for Version 3.2 |
Synopsis:
Tohoku University, one of the most prestigious national universities in Japan, is the first institution in that country to license Planet English
| Pictured here during the Planet English induction training at Tohoku University are representatives from Planet Learning, Tohoku University, Hokueisha and Infinisys. The venue for the training was the new computer laboratory where the Tohoku University students will access Planet English. |
Planet Learning is delighted to announce that the prestigious Japanese national University, Tohoku University in Sendai, this week will become the first institution in Japan to commence using Planet English. Initially, students from a variety of disciplines will access Planet English during self-access time to further develop their English language proficiency.
Peter Mackey, Manager Client Services and David Holman, Technical Services Coordinator with Planet Learning traveled to Sendai last week to install the software at Tohoku University and to provide induction training for staff.
Professors of English from a variety of faculties within the university were able to take part in the training over two days including Dr. Naoyuki Ono, Dr. Koichi Kawano, from the Graduate School of Information Sciences and Dr. Hajime Fukuchi, from the Research Center for Higher Education.
The other purpose of this trip was to provide distributor level training to Infinisys Ltd. Mr. Dennis Heazle, President of Infinisys Ltd and his team distribute Planet English on behalf of Planet Learning in Japan with assistance from Hokueisha Ltd. Dennis and his team are now well placed to independently install, train and support new and existing Planet English licensees in Japan.
Planet Learning, Infinisys and Hokueisha would like to wish Tohoku University and their students every success with Planet English and look forward to a long and rewarding relationship in the future.
| From left to right are David Holman, Dennis Heazle, Peter Mackey and Mitsuaki Sato outside the Infinisys office in Sendai. |
Synopsis:
Shanghai Eastern Caoyang Foreign Languages High School is the latest school in China to implement Planet English.
| Students at work with Planet English in the lab at Shanghai Eastern Caoyang Foreign Languages High School |
Shanghai Eastern Caoyang Foreign Languages High School is the latest school in China to implement Planet English. It is the first school in Shanghai to offer Planet English to its students and joins a host of other prestigious centres throughout China now using the program.
Shanghai Eastern Caoyang Foreign Languages High School is the first Sino-foreign cooperative school in Shanghai and has established programs with a number of international educational institutions. It currently provides over 200 computers for students at a ratio pf approximately 1 for every 3 students. The computers, together with the library, the radio, film and television centre and the network information centre, form an educational information and resource warehouse that is directly connected to the 24 general classrooms through the school web.
Mr Phillip Ellison, an educational consultant and teacher at the school participated in an educational training program at the Planet English headquarters in Sydney last year and he will introduce the program at the school.
Ian Tudor, Managing Director of Planet Learning, sees the arrangement with Shanghai Eastern Caoyang Foreign Languages High School as supporting the school’s focus on providing a high quality educational experience through the delivery of the world’s leading computer assisted English language learning program.
For further details about Shanghai Eastern Caoyang Foreign Languages High School contact:
Shanghai Eastern Caoyang Foreign Languages High School,
429 Xiang Zhang Rd
Shanghai 200333
The People’s Republic of China
Tel: 86 21 529 24050
Fax: 86 21 529 24075
E-mail:secflhs@public1.sta.net.cn
http://www.secedu.com/teachdev.htm
For more information about Planet English:
| Contact: | Phil Henville |
| Address: |
Address PO Box Q311 |
| Tel: | (61 2) 9262 3500 |
| Fax: | (61 2) 9262 2210 |
| Email: | info@planetenglish.com |
| Web: | www.planetenglish.com |
Synopsis:
Representatives from Jingdi Australia and Infinisys recently underwent further training at Planet Learning HQ in Sydney.
| From left to right representatives of Jingdi Australia: Prof Gerard Guthrie; Ms Li Xiaoli; Ms Wang Lehzi; Mr Peter Mackey, Manager Client Services, Planet Learning; Mr Mark Taylor, Mangager, Marketing & Business Development, Planet Learning. |
Planet Learning was pleased to welcome representatives from two off-shore organisations at their Sydney office just prior to Christmas for further product familiarisation training.
Professor Gerard Guthrie, Ms Li Xiaoli and Ms Wang Lehzi from Jingdi Australia and Mr Dennis Heazle from Infinisys were able to join a combined training program over two days on 18 and 19 December 2002.
Jingdi will be acting as agents for Planet Learning in specific sectors throughout Western China (for specific details contact Planet Learning). Infinisys is the exclusive distributor for Japan.
Peter Mackey and Mark Taylor from Planet Learning were both able to spend valuable time with both Jingdi and Infinisys staff. It was also a great opportunity for both groups to share information and ideas about marketing Planet English in these two crucial regions.
Synopsis:
Mr Jerry Sibul, educational representative from H.A. Cervantes Knowledge Systems Inc., distributor of Planet English in The Philippines, visited Australia last week to participate in educational distributor level training for Planet English.
| Jerry, pictured here with David Holman (Technical Services Coordinator, Planet Learning) was able to take some time out to enjoy Sydney Harbour during his visit. |
Mr Jerry Sibul, an experienced educationalist with H.A. Cervantes Knowledge Systems Inc. was in Australia from Sunday 3/11/02 until Saturday 8/11/02 to take part in the educational distributor level training for Planet English.
Jerry spent the week in training with Client Services Manager, Peter Mackey. Following the training, Peter remarked, "During the week Jerry was able to familiarise himself with all of the main educational features of the product, including the courseware management system and its possible applications. It was obvious that Jerry had already spent some time becoming acquainted with the program since the installation at the HACKS office some weeks ago. Jerry is now in a position to advise on the most appropriate educational applications of Planet English in The Philippines.”
During his stay in Sydney, Jerry was able to attend a part time IELTS preparation course at St Mark's College, in order to experience some of the teaching techniques used here in Australia. He was also able to take some time out with Peter Mackey and David Holman (Planet Learning Technical Services Coordinator) to do some sight seeing on Sydney Harbour during his visit.
Jerry’s visit is another step in the establishment of a strong working relationship between Planet Learning and HACKS, which we believe will continue in the years ahead.
| Jerry accepts his Distributor Level Educational Training certificate from Peter Mackey, Client Services Manager |
Synopsis:
Planet Learning is pleased to announce the appointment of HA Cervantes Knowledge Systems, Inc. as the provider of Planet English in the Philippines.
| The HA Cervantes Knowledge Systems, Inc staff in their Manila office. |
HA Cervantes Knowledge Systems, Inc., a Manila-based corporation authorized to engage in English language proficiency testing and training, has reached an agreement this month with Planet Learning to distribute Planet English in the Philippines.
HA Cervantes Knowledge Systems is active in English language teaching and testing throughout the Philippines. Its main office is in Metro Manila and it has a branch office in Cebu City. It is the country representative of TOEIC in the Philippines. It manages eight test centers located throughout the Philippines for the Test of Spoken English and also delivers courses in American English fluency and accent.
Hermelo A. Cervantes, Ph.D., Chief Executive Consultant, believes there are great opportunities for Planet English as a key educational resource supporting improvements in language learners’ English language proficiency and, consequently, improving English language test scores.
After a recent visit to Manila to meet with Dr Cervantes and his team Mark Taylor, Planet Learning Marketing and Business Development Manager, is excited about the opportunity to work with HA Cervantes Knowledge Systems. “Dr Cervantes and his team have a good understanding of the English language learning requirements of people in the Philippines. They have a very progressive and innovative approach to English language teaching and testing and have embraced technology and its applications”, he said.
This appointment now adds to an international distribution network including Planet English distributors and licensed centres in Australia, New Zealand, The People’s Republic of China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Chile.
For further information about this news item and HA Cervantes Knowledge Systems contact:
HA Cervantes Knowledge Systems, Inc.
4th floor, AB Sandoval Building
Oranbo Drive, Corner Shaw Boulevard
Pasig City 1600
Philippines
Telephone: (63 2) 633-7734:(63 2) 636-6964
Fax: (63 2) 910-1091
Synopsis:
Mr Felix Yelpi was recently sent to Australia by Educación Destinos Australia to participate in educational training to support the distribution of Planet English in Chile.
| Peter Mackey hands Felix his training certification. |
Mr Felix Yelpi recently travelled from Santiago, Chile to the Planet Learning headquarters in Sydney to participate in further educational support training. Felix spent 4 days training with Planet Learning’s Client Services Manager, Peter Mackey and was able to also enjoy another week of vacation in Sydney after the training.
Educational Support is a particularly important service provided by Planet English distributors to those English language teaching centers that incorporate Planet English as part of their teaching programs.
Felix is now well-equipped to ensure that Educación Destinos Australia continues to be able to provide the excellent educational support to English language teaching centres in Chile. At the conclusion of the training Peter remarked, "The knowledge and experience Felix has of the local Chilean educational sector will be a tremendous asset to the growth of Planet English in that market. Felix has a good understanding of the methodology and functionality of Planet English and provided many insights into its possible implementation in Chile."
Felix is an experienced English language teacher who has worked and studied in Spain, India, England, South Africa and USA as well as in Chile. Educación Destinos Australia, through the Santiago-based entity Destinos Limitada, is the exclusive distributor of Planet English in Chile.
Planet Learning contact:
Phil Henville
Tel:(61 2) 9262 3500
Email: info@planetenglish.com
Synopsis:
IALF opens new premises in Surabaya, Indonesia
| IALF teacher Ms. Diah Susanti demonstrates Planet English to visitors during the IALF Open House. |
On 14 June 2002, Mr Neil Mules, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy, Jakarta, officially opened IALF Surabaya in its new premises. On the following day an Open House was held with a range of activities, including demonstrations of Planet English. Over 300 people attended the Open House, which introduced the range of services provided by the IALF Surabaya and showcased teaching and learning resources for language study that are available to students.
NB: Information and photos are an edited extract from the IALF News, August 2002
| New premises of IALF Surabaya. |
| Introducing Clare Mackey. |
Peter Mackey – internationally-renowned Client Services Manager – now has a new task on his hands. Peter and Chris Mackey have a lovely new baby girl in their family. Baby Clare joins 2 year-old daughter Neave in the Mackey household.
Many in the international Planet English community have been keenly monitoring Clare’s progress.
Peter is enjoying this time with his family but will be back on deck at Planet Learning in a few short weeks.
| Peter explains the CMS to Clare... |
Synopsis:
Planet English is featured in a news article in the magazine Connections, June 2002 edition. Part of that article is reproduced by permission Right Publications, Ltd.
| Students using Planet English. |
A PASSPORT TO THE WORLD OF ENGLISH
Summer is the time many students in the region will have finished secondary school and are planning the next stage of their lives. Some will go on to university, at home or overseas, others will stay at home and find a job. Either way, one of the best ways to increase the chances of achieving well at uni or landing the job they want, is to develop English competency.
Most of Australia’s universities, colleges of technical and further education and numerous private colleges provide English language courses, ranging from a few weeks to several months. These courses offer students the opportunity to learn while living among native English speakers, and, of course, enjoy some time in Australia.
However, traveling to Australia for a course is not the only way to learn English from an Australian institution.
In recognition of the huge demand among Asian communities to improve their English skills, a number of Australian firms have taken their courses to Asia.
Sydney-based Planet Learning supplies its English language software to more than 60 learning centres and schools around the region in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, South Korea and China. Among them are Hong Kong’s Methodist College, Malaysia’s Cyberlynx language centre and the Gyeonggi-do training centre in Seoul.
Many English teaching centres in Australia also use the Planet Learning program, including the University of New South Wales, where the product was originally developed.
The program features more than 40 hours of audio and video recordings, thousands of images and many different activity types using the student’s own voice recordings, says Planet Learning’s marketing and business development manager Mark Taylor.
He says UNSW conceived the program as a general English language tool, meaning it is not teaching purely academic English or specialist level course.
“Part of the university’s original focus was to improve the communication skills of students in the region by providing a quality resource rather than delivering the course themselves, because [UNSW] runs an English language centre separately to this program,” Taylor says.
The eight-level software package is complemented by work books and teacher support materials. There’s also a management system allowing teachers to structure activity streams, isolate particular units and offer a progress report on a student’s performance.
Says Taylor: “It was originally developed for teenagers and your adults, but we’re finding it’s being used, increasingly in China and Hong Kong, for junior and senior high school students. Although it was not developed for that [age group], they tell us it’s better than anything else available.”
This is the first page of an article by Paris Lord which appears in the magazine: Connections, June 2002.
Reproduced by permission Right Directions Publications Ltd. www.ausconnect.com
| Planet English on screen. |
Synopsis:
Planet Learning is pleased to announce the appointment of Planet English distributors in two exciting new markets – Japan and Vietnam
Infinisys Ltd, a Sendai-based company which specializes in localizing and selling personal computer software, has been appointed the Planet English distributor for Japan. The President of Infinisys, Mr. Dennis Heazle, is a graduate of The University of New South Wales in Sydney and has lived in Japan for the past 20 years. Infinisys has excellent networks in the Japanese IT sector, and in particular in the education and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) areas and has amongst its customers companies such as Computerwave, Softbank, Catena and Uchida Youkou. Planet Learning Marketing Executive, Mark Levings, said that, "The appointment of Infinisys as Planet Learning's distribution partner for Japan is a very exciting development for Planet Learning. The Japanese market for CALL products is substantial and growing rapidly, and Infinisys has the expertise and connections to take the Planet English business forward in this highly complex market environment."
In Vietnam, Equasian Ltd has been appointed the Planet English distributor. Equasian has been the Planet Learning technical agent in Vietnam since 2001 and recently completed the installations for the first two Planet English sites in Vietnam - The Australian Universities Studies Program (a cooperative venture between ACL Pty Ltd and the Foreign Language Centre of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) and RMIT University Vietnam in Ho Chi Min City. Equasian is a Ho Chi Min City-based software development and IT consulting company headed by expatriate Australian, David Noon. Their current software range includes a number of educational titles. Planet Learning Marketing Executive, Mark Levings, believes that Equasian's intimate knowledge of the technical aspects of Planet English and experience in the Vietnamese market augers well for the development of the Planet English business in the territory. "We are very optimistic about prospects in Vietnam. Planet English has great potential in the growth area of English language learning, particularly in the government and corporate sectors."
For further information about this news item and Infinisys Ltd contact:
Mr Dennis A. Heazle
President
Infinisys, Ltd
4-25-13 Mukaiyama
Taihaku-ku,
Sendai 982
Japan
Tel: 81-22-268-6643
Fax: 81-22-224-6725
Email: info@infinisys.co.jp
Website: www.infinisys.co.jp
For further information about this news item and Equasian Ltd contact:
Mr David Noon
Chief Executive Officer
Equasian Ltd
119/5 Dien Bien Phu St
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Tel: (84) 8 829 6740 - (84) 903 827 031
Fax: (84) 8 822 3828
Email: david@equasian.com
Website: www.equasian.com
Synopsis:
Planet Learning is pleased to announce the appointment of Infinisys Ltd as the Planet English distributor in Japan.
Infinisys Ltd, a Sendai-based company which specializes in localizing and selling personal computer software, has been appointed the Planet English distributor for Japan. The President of Infinisys, Mr. Dennis Heazle, is a graduate of The University of New South Wales in Sydney and has lived in Japan for the past 20 years. Infinisys has excellent networks in the Japanese IT sector, and in particular in the education and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) areas and has amongst its customers companies such as Computerwave, Softbank, Catena and Uchida Youkou. Planet Learning Marketing Executive, Mark Levings, said that, "The appointment of Infinisys as Planet Learning's distribution partner for Japan is a very exciting development for Planet Learning. The Japanese market for CALL products is substantial and growing rapidly, and Infinisys has the expertise and connections to take the Planet English business forward in this highly complex market environment."
For further information about this news item and Infinisys Ltd contact:
Mr Dennis A. Heazle
President
Infinisys, Ltd
4-25-13 Mukaiyama
Taihaku-ku,
Sendai 982
Japan
Tel: 81-22-268-6643
Fax: 81-22-224-6725
Email: info@infinisys.co.jp
Website: www.infinisys.co.jp
Synopsis:
The Australian University Studies Program (AUSP) - a cooperative venture between ACL and the Foreign Language Centre of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, has introduced Planet English as part of its teaching program.
ACL Pty Ltd, the largest private provider of English language education in Australia, has now introduced Planet English as part of its teaching program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The Australian University Studies Program (AUSP) is a cooperative venture between ACL and the Foreign Language Centre of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, one of the largest Universities in Vietnam.
| Don Evans, Director of Studies, with Staff of AUSP. |
ACL has been delivering Planet English to students at its Sydney centres for a number of years and this is the first of its international centres to also offer Planet English.
ACL’s General Manager International Programs, Ms Sue Blundell, has noted: “Together, these two institutions are able to provide Vietnamese students from the Business, Government and Private sectors with educational opportunities of the highest quality. AUSP adapts ACL curricula to the Vietnamese environment while maintaining the same high standards of ACL programs delivered in Australia. AUSP’s commitment to quality is a major factor in making our organization stand out from others in the industry. The delivery of Planet English as part of AUSP will further enhance the quality of our programs.”
For further information about this news item or about AUSP please contact:
Planet Learning contact:
Planet Learning
Tel:(61 2) 9262 3500
Email: info@planetenglish.com
AUSP contact:
Mr Bob Moorcroft
General Manager Business Ventures, ACL Pty Ltd
Tel: (61 2) 9252 3788
Email: bobm@acl.edu.au
Synopsis:
Planet English has been installed at Brisbane’s Southbank TAFE for use in both the general English and Migrant education classes in 2002. Southbank TAFE is the first Planet English centre in Queensland.
| Lawrence Burness with students in Southbank computer laboratory. |
Planet English has been installed at Brisbane’s Southbank TAFE for use in both the general English and Migrant education classes in 2002. Planet Learning Marketing Executive Mark Levings commented that, “Planet Learning is delighted to have Southbank TAFE on-board! We look forward to working with them to ensure that Planet English enhances the English language teaching at Southbank TAFE, as it has done in our other licensed centres in Australia and overseas.” Southbank TAFE is the first Planet English installation in Queensland.
Southbank’s English teachers and tutors participated in an induction program delivered by Planet Learning Manager - Development, Adam Shapiro. Adam said that, “It was a pleasure to work with the Southbank teachers. They are a very enthusiastic group of professionals. I’m certain that they will enjoy teaching with Planet English and that their students will get a lot out of it.”
Southbank TAFE are planning to offer Planet English to their overseas and migrant students across a range of levels and intend to make full use of the workbooks as well.
For further information about this news item or about Southbank TAFE please contact:
Southbank TAFE contact:
Lawrence Burness
Operations Manager
Southbank Institute of TAFE
Centre for Language Education
Ph: +61 7 32445113
Fax: +61 7 3244 5490
Email:Lawrence.Burness@detir.qld.gov.au
| Southbank Institute of TAFE, Brisbane. |
Synopsis:
Planet Learning is very proud to announce that it has finalised an agreement with Educación Destinos Australia to distribute Planet English in Chile.
Planet Learning is very proud to announce that it has finalised a multi-year agreement with Educación Destinos Australia (EDA) to distribute Planet English in the territory of Chile. Both EDA and Planet Learning expect that Planet English will be a very popular resource in supporting the teaching and learning of English in Chile.
Educación Destinos Australia, through the Santiago-based entity Destinos Limitada, offers a range of services to students and professionals in Chile seeking opportunities in education. This includes the recruitment of students to study educational programs in the English, TAFE, VET and university sectors in Australia. The organisation also assists universities and colleges to develop and foster exchange programs between educational facilities in Chile and Australia
Director of Destinos Limitada, Ms Maxine J Penter, notes: “As the implications of the growing global environment impact on Chile, professionals and students are realising that to secure a better future, one needs to broaden their horizons to develop a competitive edge. Persons who can speak English and or travel overseas to study or work have an edge in terms of employment opportunities. This is particularly relevant in terms of NAFTA proposal. In order for Chile to achieve the full potential of such a trade agreement, a high level and understanding of English will be required in such negotiations
The appointment of the distributor in Chile now adds to a Planet English distribution network though Australasia and Asia including distributors and licenced centres in Australia, New Zealand, the People’s Republic of China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Planet Learning Managing Director Ian Tudor has commented: “This is the first agreement to distribute Planet English in the Americas and represents a new challenge and significant new opportunities in that part of the world. Destinos Limitada demonstrates a great understanding of the needs of educational institutions and students in Chile and we look forward to working with them to fulfil those needs
Destinos Limitada contact:
Ms Maxine J Penter
Director
Phone/Fax: (56 2) 365 1701
Email: info@edestinos.com
Synopsis:
A highlight of the press conference held in conjunction with the International Conference on Reading for the New Millenium held at Peking University recently was an address given by the Dean of the College of Foreign Languages, Professor Hu Jialuan. Following Professor Hu’s speech a student talked about his learning experience with Planet English.
A highlight of the press conference held in conjunction with the International Conference on Reading for the New Millenium held at Peking University recently was an address given by the Dean of the College of Foreign Languages, Professor Hu Jialuan. Following Professor Hu’s speech a student talked about his learning experience with Planet English.
| Xiao Di with his mother at Peking University. |
Xiao Di is a 13-year old student from Renmin University Middle High School in Beijing. He gave the address at press conference held in conjunction with the International Conference on Reading for the New Millenium held at Peking University entirely in English. A transcript of the address follows. The address was warmly received by the audience of distinguished guests including local and international teachers and academics, students and educational administrators. Xiao Di is congratulated on his outstanding English language proficiency and obvious dedication to his studies.
"Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen:
My name is Xiao Di, I am a student from the high school affiliated to Renmin University of China’s key class. In 2000, I was lucky to get the opportunity to study Planet English in the high school of Renmin University. The content and the brand new teaching style attracted me. I studied Planet English in my school for 6 months and learned from CD1 to CD6. Now I have finished CD7 and got a good exam result. And I am now studying CD8.
We Chinese people, even the college graduates, only can read some English but can’t speak or write, which has become a very common problem. How can we improve our speaking ability? Well, I suggest you learn Planet English, which is very suitable for us Chinese people. To be honest with you, learning Planet English can really help improve your communication ability. I have never been abroad, but I can meet foreigners every day in the Planet English system and listen to the standard English. Because of this, I passed the oral test in PETS examination easily and got the good score. Meanwhile, it helps me to know a lot of cultural awareness and helps me to lay a solid foundation of learning more English knowledge. Now, I can do the band -4 examination paper for college students and get good marks. And I can speak to foreigners freely and confidently.
Another example, before we began to learn Planet English, in our class, many people couldn’t speak English. However, after they finished learning Planet English, most of them can speak very beautiful English without the Chinese accent. And we all like speaking English. What a big improvement it is!
Planet English can make you enjoy the pure English without going abroad. You can enjoy greatly the happiness of using English while learning it.
I hope Planet English will bring more good opportunities for the students who want to improve their English! That’s all.
Thank you!"
Synopsis:
Excellerated Learning 2100 Ltd (EL2100) have been successful in introducing Planet English. EL2100 was appointed by Planet Learning as the distributor of Planet English for Hong Kong in May 2001.
| Planet Learning Director, Ian Tudor (left) with Excellerated Learning's Managing Director Dr. David Milford and Marketing Manager Karen Chan. |
Excellerated Learning 2100 Ltd (EL2100) have been successful in introducing Planet English - world-class English language teaching courseware - to schools in Hong Kong. EL2100 was appointed by Planet Learning as the distributor of Planet English for Hong Kong in May 2001.
EL2100 have been successful in supporting a number of high school programs, the largest of which involves 10 schools and is funded by the Hong Kong Government under the Quality Education Fund. This is a program designed to empower English teachers in the use of IT in teaching English, and to improve the effectiveness of English teaching and learning. Five additional schools, including both Government and private schools, have also adopted Planet English as part of the teaching program making a total of 15 Planet English sites in Hong Kong.
Installation of the Planet English courseware in these schools is expected to be completed by October 2001 at which time it is estimated that more than 4,000 students will be using Planet English in Hong Kong.
Planet Learning’s CEO, Ian Tudor, commented that, “the initial sales of Planet English achieved by EL2100 are very pleasing, and auger well for our prospects in the Hong Kong market. It is indeed gratifying to be selected as the premier ESL resource over several of our international competitors“.
According to Tudor “Planet English provides a wealth of native speaker input through interactive videos and audios and so is ideally suited for Asian markets, as has been shown through its successful market entry into mainland China, Korea and now Hong Kong.”
Synopsis:
Planet Learning has signed a multi-year agreement with Excellerated Learning 2100 Ltd.
Planet Learning has this month signed a multi-year agreement with Excellerated Learning 2100 Ltd to exclusively distribute Planet English interactive multimedia software in Hong Kong.
Excellerated Learning 2100 Ltd in Hong Kong specialises in IT and computer assisted language learning (CALL) training for the school and tertiary sectors.
"Planet English, with up to 1,000 hours of CD and workbook-based language learning activities teaching English for International Communication, is an outstanding package that will empower students and integrate well into language classrooms," said Dr David Milford, Excellerated Learning's founder and CEO.
"Planet English is an exciting video-based program developed by The University of New South Wales that uses varieties of English from around the world. I'm sure it will prove very popular in trials in high schools here over the next six months," he said.
Planet Learning Managing Director Ian Tudor says the distribution deal with Excellerated Learning 2100 Ltd is a significant step in Planet Learning's strategy to deliver tailored interactive English learning tools to a significant and growing market.
"The government of Hong Kong - the eighth largest trading economy in the world - is putting increased emphasis on English language learning and training," said Ian Tudor.
Synopsis:
Planet Learning has signed a three-year agreement with Digital World Co. Ltd. to distribute Planet English in the Republic of Korea.
| Representatives from Digital World and Adam Shapiro and David Holman from Planet Learning at the KAMALL Conference in Seoul. |
Planet Learning has signed a three-year agreement with Digital World Co. Ltd. to distribute Planet English in the Republic of Korea. Digital World specialises in the provision of language laboratory hardware and content, and distance learning solutions to the burgeoning education sector throughout Korea.
"The high technology English language learning market is rapidly growing in South Korea, with the effects of globalisation and one of the highest per capita Internet usage figures in the region."
"Preliminary market investigations suggest that there will be good demand for Planet English through Digital World, in particular from Universities, language learning centres and corporate training centres. With clients such as Samsung electronics and extensive tertiary contacts, Digital World is well set up to meet this demand," says Planet Learning Managing Director Ian Tudor.
"They have allocated a team of experienced sales and marketing personnel, educational support staff and technicians to the Planet English business unit and have already introduced Planet English to the Korean marketplace through last week's KAMALL Conference," he says.
The semi-annual Korean Association of Multimedia Assisted Language Learning (KAMALL) Conference was held at Kyunghee University, Seoul on Saturday April 7 2001, attended by more than 300 delegates from leading Korean Universities and English language centres.
"English language learning is booming all over the country especially in this globalisation era and we're sure Planet English meets the demand of developing English ability through multimedia resources. We expect Planet English will attract a lot of people. We've started marketing Planet English by participating in KAMALL conference as a first step," Digital World's Managing Director Mr Choi says.
A multimedia display of Planet English at the conference was well patronised by the conference delegates and elicited very positive feedback. Planet English was also showcased during a presentation by Planet Learning's Manager of Development, Adam Shapiro.
"Planet English provides a wealth of native speaker input through interactive videos and audios and so is ideally suited for Asian markets, as has been shown through its successful market entry into China over the last twelve months," says Ian Tudor. "Planet Learning is now also being distributed in Malaysia and agreements for other parts of Asia and Latin America are expected to follow soon."
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