Maxim Training, one of the UK's independent developers of CD-ROM and online multimedia training, and recently acquired by KnowledgePool, is launching a range of literacy skills courses to be delivered online. Designed for simple, easy installation and operation, these courses are available for delivery via the Internet or corporate Intranet for a practical 'just-in-time' approach to basic literacy skills training.

Previously only available exclusively to public sector organisations and based on material originally developed by Dean Interactive Learning, the course content has now been re-designed by Maxim for the corporate training market.

The material is currently available as 4 modules:

1. The English Sentence - a refresher course in the art of constructing proper sentences.
   
2. Punctuation - How to make use of punctuation to produce quality copy.
   
3. Spelling - How to avoid common pitfalls in spelling.
   
4. Best Practice for Effective Business Writing - This module covers the following aspects:
   Good English - Enables users to write effective English.
   Best Word - Shows users ways to convey the meaning of sentences clearly.
   Sentence Length - Examines good sentence construction.
   Meaning - Identifies commonly misunderstood words in the English language.

Paul Butler, chief executive officer of KnowledgePool states that this is cost-effective, focused training and supports a recognised set of vocational qualifications. Each module is divided into training modules comprising a set of objectives accessible from the main menu. The training links to training competencies throughout and a final course test checks users' understanding.

Direct links to occupational standards include Management standards (MCI), Basic Skills standards (QCA), Investors in People UK indicators, and Small Firms standards (SFEDI), making this range of online literacy skills a valuable resource for individuals or large, small, private and public sector organisations.

KnowledgePool provides information technology (IT), personal and business skills training through instructor-led classes and its e-Learning service. Clients range from corporate customers from the retail; financial services; pharmaceutical; chemical and technology industries through government agencies to IT professionals and individuals. KnowledgePool presently has training operations in the UK, Ireland, France, Finland, Portugal and Denmark and a joint venture company with Fujitsu in the USA - KnowledgePool Inc.

KnowledgePool's objective has been to replicate the traditional classroom in an online environment with students having access to online tutoring and mentoring, downloadable training materials and real time chat forums. The company's e-Learning service is supported by online mentors who are professionally trained, experienced personnel located in the UK, Singapore and the USA. Online students are able to learn at a time that suits their lifestyle, regardless of where they may be in the world.

Since 1996 KnowledgePool has been named Training Company of the Year four times by industry bodies such as Computing magazine and the Institute of IT Training. The company has strategic relationships with partners such as Microsoft, NETg and the British Computer Society.

KnowledgePool trains over 300,000 students annually through our training centres, our e-Learning service or at customer sites. The company is part of the KnowledgePool consortium, founded in 1994 and a provider of IT training services with operations in Europe, Asia and North America. The other consortium members are KnowledgePool Inc and Fujitsu Learning Media.

In August 2000 KnowledgePool acquired the corporate career portal business of WorkLife Solutions Inc, one of America's leading application service providers of integrated career management and human resource development web sites and Maxim Training one of the UK's foremost independent developers of CD-ROM and online multimedia training in personal and management skills for the corporate market. The company is a subsidiary of ICL, the e-Business IT services company.

For further information Knowledgepool

Maxim Training, now part of KnowledgePool, is one of the UK's leading suppliers of CD-ROM and online multimedia for the corporate training market. Maxim develops customised and generic off-the-shelf solutions. Customised solutions meet specific client needs and off-the-shelf training programmes teach a wide range of key management skills. The company's flexible learning solutions offer a combination of leading edge multimedia technology and established approaches to help organisations and individuals achieve their learning objectives.

KnowledgePool acquired Maxim Training in August 2000. KnowledgePool is the e-Learning, information technology (IT), personal and business skills training company based in the UK with operations in Europe and the USA.

For further information Maxim Training

Firefly contact:
Helen Rawsthorne helen.rawsthorne@firefly.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7386 1537

KnowledgePool contact:
Janet Barrett janet.barrett@knowledgepool.com
Telephone: 01753 604180