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SMARTHINKING Launches Enhanced Online Learning Assistance Center

New features to be fully implemented by start of school year

WASHINGTON, DC - July 21, 2005 – SMARTHINKING, the leading provider of online tutoring and academic support, has announced the release of an enhanced version of its virtual learning assistance center, featuring a virtual Whiteboard that sets the standard for live, online instruction. The enhanced Whiteboard, through which students interact in real-time with tutors in a variety of subjects, is being introduced to clients gradually this month and will be fully operational by the time classes begin in the fall.

SMARTHINKING offers 24-hour real-time tutoring assistance in subjects including math, writing, statistics, accounting, economics, chemistry, physics, biology, and Spanish, as well as math tutoring in Spanish. In addition to accessing a live tutor, students can submit a question for next day response, or submit a draft essay to SMARTHINKING’s online writing lab for a critique within 24 hours, from any Internet connection and at any time. SMARTHINKING can also host the technology for schools to staff their own instructors and tutors.

SMARTHINKING’S enhanced service includes several new features designed to improve student access, service and satisfaction, including:

• A new queuing system, enabling students to be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Expanded academic palettes and symbol menus, allowing more complex educational interactions.
• Inclusion of content for student viewing during wait-time – including instructional videos about SMARTHINKING use, study guides, study tips, and other materials.
• Capability for tutors to add and archive additional pages to a students' tutoring session as necessary.
• Capability for students and tutors to concurrently view Web resources that support instruction during a tutorial.
• Full access for users of Windows and Mac OS-X and above with the IE (5.1 or higher) browser.
• Windows support for the Netscape (6.0 or higher) browser.
• Single-sign on whether through Blackboard, WebCT, or a custom portal.

"SMARTHINKING’s new Whiteboard is the first Whiteboard designed exclusively for educational interactions," said Burck Smith, SMARTHINKING CEO. "These new features will allow more students and tutors to learn in ways not previously possible online."

About SMARTHINKING (www.SMARTHINKING.com)

SMARTHINKING, the leading provider of online tutoring to colleges and high schools, provides live, online, easy-access tutoring to students. SMARTHINKING works with schools, colleges, universities, textbook publishers and other institutions to help educators offer students outstanding academic support. SMARTHINKING’s custom solutions improve faculty support and raise student performance by connecting students to qualified assistance anytime, from any Internet connection. SMARTHINKING clients include schools, colleges, libraries, education companies, individuals, and anyone seeking to increase student achievement. SMARTHINKING currently works with over 500 school clients and businesses. To learn more, please visit www.smarthinking.com or call 888.430.7429 ext 224.