JONES/OPTIMUM'S LEARN TO READ WITH STICKYBEAR BRINGS INTERACTIVE LEARNING
TO THE TV SCREEN

Comprehensive Reading Program Designed for Home and School Use

(Englewood, CO) -Learn to Read with Stickybear, a premiere reading program
from Jones/Optimum Media, a partnership of Optimum Resource, Inc. and
Jones Digital Century Inc. (JDC), brings an all-new phonics-based learning
course for beginning and remedial readers to the TV screen! 

"Phonetics-based learning is thriving in homes, classrooms and school
systems across the country, and state-wide in California, as the most
effective method of teaching reading. This new program is a
state-of-the-art video learning opportunity for millions of parents and
teachers," stated Dr. Bernard J. Luskin, President of Jones Digital
Century. 

"We are very excited about this important video series with JDC, whose
management has more than 25 years of experience in the development of
quality educational TV programs," stated Richard Hefter, CEO of Optimum
Resource and a co-executive producer of the program, along with Luskin and
Glenn R. Jones, CEO of Jones International, Ltd.. "Our objective is to
give people choice, convenience and quality. We have also started work on
a CD-ROM that will utilize the program's engaging video content, along
with computer-based interactivity." 

The Learn to Read with Stickybear video learning program is divided into
ten lessons that may be easily modified to fit the pace of each learner.
Workbooks, flip cards, a Stickybear poster, reward stickers and a
guidebook, all in an easy-to-carry tote bag, are included in the set,
which is competitively priced at $189.95 and may be purchased directly
from Jones/Optimum by calling 1-800-303-READ. 

Joining the popular animated Stickybear character in the video series are
Denise and Bill, two engaging and energetic TV professionals who utilize a
variety of settings, including parks, zoos, classrooms and libraries, to
captivate interest and encourage participation. Highly effective literacy
graphics reinforce the carefully coached pronunciations provided by the
two facilitators. 

Dr. Patti Lynn O'Brien, Ph.D., a noted professor of Reading and Language
Arts at Central Connecticut State University, supervised the development
of all program materials. Dr. O'Brien, who earned her doctorate at the
University of Michigan, serves on the board of the Connecticut Reading
Association, is a former board member of the Connecticut Reading Council,
and an active member of the New England Reading Association and the
International Reading Association. 

"What really sets this program apart from all others is our combined
expertise in three areas: literacy, the effective use of television and
self-directed learning. There is nothing else like it in the market,"
explained Dr. Luskin, who is also licensed as a learning and media
psychologist. 

Optimum Resource, Inc., founded in 1980 by Richard and Olivia Hefter has
been a leader in the design and development of award-winning educational
software for children. With a comprehensive collection of more than 50
Stickybear and Optimum Resource software programs and CD-ROM titles, more
than 30 million children have used their strong, curriculum-based reading,
math, language arts, and science programs and the highly motivating skill,
creativity and entertainment programs for preschool age youngsters through
adults. 

Jones Digital Century (JDC), the electronic publishing subsidiary of Jones
International, Ltd., is a horizontally integrated company dedicated to
creating high-quality innovative and compelling digital publishing and
multimedia products. Its four major business areas include a CD publishing
unit, which recently released the New Testament edition of its Charlton
Heston's Voyage Through the Bible on CD-ROM; a linear video production
group that produces academic, professional development and enrichment
programming for Jones Education Network's ME/U (Mind Extension University)
and JCN (Jones Computer Network) cable TV and satellite channels; a
telecourse development and production unit, which has produced telecourses
on Communications Ethics, Using the Internet in Business, Emerging
Communications Technologies in the Workplace and Team Effectiveness, and
is currently working on "The History of Media," and The Jones Internet
Channel, a broadband Internet gateway services company. Jones
International Ltd. is the senior corporate parent of a number of
subsidiaries in the communications industry, primarily relating to
education, cable television, cable television networks, electronic
publishing, radio and entertainment. ### 

For Additional information on l earn to Read with Stickybear, visit the
Stickybear Internet web site (http://www.stickybear.com), the Jones
Digital century home page (http://digitalcentury.com) via e-mail to
stickyb@stickybear.com., or contact: 

Sally Carr Hannafin
Optimum Resource Inc.
12 Laurel Way
Norfolk CT 06058
Phone: (860) 542-1700
  Fax: (860) 542-1701

Andy Holdgate
Jones Digital Century
9697 E. Mineral Ave.
Englewood, CO 80112
(303) 784-8702
(303) 784-8955
 
 =========================================================
 From the 'New Product News' Electronic News Service on...
 AOL (Keyword = New Products) and Delphi (GO COMP PROD)
 =========================================================
 This information was processed from data provided by the
 company/author mentioned. For additional details, please
 contact them directly at the address/phone# indicated.
 Trademarks are the property of their respective owners!
 =========================================================
 All submissions for this service should be addressed to:
 BAKER ENTERPRISES,  20 Ferro Dr,  Sewell, NJ  08080  USA
 Email:   rbakerpc@aol.com   --or--   rbakerpc@delphi.com
 =========================================================
