REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 7, 1999 — Recognizing the growing trend of consumers using the Internet for research, Microsoft Corp. today announced updated content and information on Encarta® Online Deluxe, the premium online version of the best-selling multimedia encyclopedia, Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe 2000. Accessible via PC or Apple Macintosh, the online encyclopedia provides immediate, high-quality reference information for teachers, parents and students at any time, anywhere they have Internet access.
Encarta Online ( http://encarta.MSN.com/ ), the award-winning Web site that includes Encarta Online Deluxe, helps people find the latest information on the topics they need and provides the tools that enable them to use the information effectively for learning. Recently listed as one of CNET’s top 10 Internet sites, Encarta Online is an effective starting point for any Internet search. Its combination of premium and free educational resources such as Encarta Schoolhouse, Web Links, homework help and classroom Content links also make Encarta Online a complete online research package.
“Encarta Online has something for everyone who prefers to work online – from students conducting research and adults seeking quick facts to teachers creating lesson plans,”
said Dave Chase, product unit manager, Learning Business Unit at Microsoft.
“Offering the same outstanding curriculum-based content found in the CD, Encarta Online Deluxe boasts more than 19,000 Web Links selected by Encarta editors, providing a trustworthy, academically sound starting point for any Internet research.”
Encarta Online is an excellent resource for teachers, who are increasingly turning to the Internet for lesson plan ideas. In the past year alone, according to the 1999 National Teaching, Learning and Computing survey, more than 68 percent of teachers used the Internet to find information resources for their lessons. Encarta Schoolhouse features the Encarta Lesson Collection – more than 500 teacher-tested lesson plans for grades K-12. New this year are 25 lesson plans created specifically for the millennium.
For students, Encarta Online Deluxe features nine subject areas from life science to the performing arts, broken into 90 sub-areas specifically geared to research and student schoolwork. Updated monthly, the encyclopedia’s more than 42,000 full-length articles provide thorough information on history, science, geography and the arts.
The online encyclopedia also contains more than 850 sidebars. Designed to give unique perspectives on important topics and events, the sidebars include works from Albert Einstein, presidential inauguration speeches and U.S. Supreme Court decisions. In addition, the site’s extensive multimedia provides users with more than 10,000 photos, 2,200 illustrations and 100 360-degree views.
“Encarta is used extensively by our students,”
said Cheryl Tunno, media specialist, Crawford Central School District, Meadeville, Pa.
“The online version’s accessibility lets more children use the resources and learn how to use the Internet. Encarta Online Deluxe allows students to start their research at school but complete it on a library computer or their computer at home.”
Encarta Online also features the following:
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Atlas, featuring more than 628 detailed maps, day and night images of regions and countries around the world
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Terraserver, a specialized map section providing access to high-resolution satellite images and aerial photographs
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Encarta Concise Encyclopedia , a consolidated source of dependable and quick reference information and the free abridged version of Encarta Encyclopedia
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Free Content Tools , located at http://encarta.MSN.com/contenttools/ , that can be added to a school’s Web page to give educators speedy access to Encarta Concise articles, maps and more
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Free periodic content specials on subjects from black history to going back to school that encourage students’ exploration and discovery of specific topics
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Reference and Education Channel , http://reference.MSN.com/ , site of a host of helpful Web resources for parents, students and teachers, including links to homework help, college information, games, community organization links and more
Access to Encarta Online Deluxe is $49.95 (U.S.) per year after a one-time free trial (connect-time charges may apply). However, customers who acquire Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe 2000 or Encarta Reference Suite 2000 will receive a complimentary subscription to Encarta Online Deluxe through Dec. 31, 2000*. The encyclopedia can be accessed through most Internet connections and runs on Macintosh and the Microsoft Windows® 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT® 4.0 or later operating systems. Other subscription plans are available at http://www.encarta.MSN.com/products/deluxe/signup.asp .
Volume discounts may apply for schools, colleges and libraries. More information on academic pricing and licensing is available at the Microsoft Education Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/education/products/ . More information on Encarta 2000 reference products is available at http://www.microsoft.com/encarta/ .
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
*Free Encarta Online Deluxe offer is valid through Dec. 31, 2000. Access to and use of the Internet may require payment of a separate fee to an Internet service provider. Connect time charges may apply. Offer valid in the 50 United States, District of Columbia and Canada only.
Microsoft, Encarta, Windows and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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