New Landmark Research Study Validates Impact of Thomson Learning Solution.

Business, Education & High-Tech Editors

NAPERVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2002

Results Prove Unique Approach Dramatically Increases

Accuracy, Speed of Performance; Lockheed-Martin, NCR and

Others Endorse Pioneering Findings

Thomson Learning, the world's largest provider of corporate learning solutions and part of The Thomson Corporation, today announced breakthrough findings of a 2-year research study that proves structured blended learning programs, typically incorporating online content and simulations, text, online and live help desk and classroom-based training, have the power to increase on-the-job productivity.

The study - first in a series sponsored by Thomson Learning - is entitled "Thomson Job Impact Study: The Next Generation of Corporate Learning," and was developed and conducted in collaboration with Lockheed-Martin; NCR; Utah State University; University of Limerick, Ireland; Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Minnesota; Executive Service Corps of Chicago; and KnowledgePool.

The results of the study, initially launched in 1999, demonstrate that a structured curriculum of blended learning will generate a 30 percent increase in accuracy of performance and 41 percent increase in speed of performance over single-delivery options. The study examined 128 employees at all organizational levels and across a wide range of industries, including aerospace, retail and manufacturing.

"The most effective learning programs support the various needs of an organization and the learner," said Cushing Anderson of IDC. "To achieve successful learning outcomes, corporations need a variety of delivery options in a structured learning program in order to train their employees, and employees need consistent, high-quality content with a myriad of delivery options to support their learning styles."

In order to compare traditional learning approaches with a blended learning solution, a three-group study was designed to assess fundamental skills of one of the most widely adopted business programs today. Group 1 received a blended learning course; Group 2 received an online course; and Group 3 served as a control group to benchmark performance. All groups received post-assessment and conducted real-world tasks. In the final analysis, the performance of all three groups on the real-world tasks completed revealed that the blended approach yielded far superior performance when compared to other methods. Specifically, the study demonstrates that blended learning based on scenario-based exercises aligned with learning objects and integrated with the use of actual software, live on-line mentoring, and other support material significantly increases performance. Over 60% of those who participated in the study had never been formally trained on this program.

"Many vendors talk about the value of blended learning and the results it brings, but few actually provide a comprehensive approach to learning," said Joe Dougherty, president of Thomson Learning's NETg, Wave and Course Technology company. "This study is concrete evidence that our unique approach to blended learning accelerates workplace performance and creates an environment for continued advancement. This study heightens awareness of the critical learning elements and integration required to achieve successful and sustainable learning that delivers true return on investment."

Many of the organizations participating in this study are actively supporting blended learning in their organizations. Candice Phelan, Ph.D., Director of Lockheed Martin's Learning Services, commented: "We have been experimenting with blended learning, intuitively thinking it would support increased workplace performance. Having the study results will now enable us to move out confidently, basing our actions on stringent empirical results."

For more information on this study, or to request a detailed abstract of the findings, please visit our web site at www.netg.com or call Bill Bonner at [phone].

About Thomson Corporation, NETg, Wave and Course Technology

With 2000 revenues of approximately US $6 billion, The Thomson Corporation is the leading, global provider of integrated information solutions for business, education and professional customers. Its learning businesses and brands serve the needs of individuals, learning institutions and corporations with products and services for both traditional and online learning. NETg, Wave and Course Technology have been merged into a single Thomson Learning business unit. NETg (www.netg.com) is a global e-Learning leader with a full range of online solutions incorporating Internet services and innovative interactivity with over 75,000 learning objects. Wave Technologies (www.wavetech.com) is a proven leader in the delivery of learning products and services that support professional certification achievement. The company provides its products and services through instructor-led courses, seminars, multiple media-published products and over the Internet. Course Technology (www.course.com) is the worldwide leader in computing education, offering more than 1,600 print and innovative technology-based products for business and technology training courses.