Pearson Assessments Launches iNSIGHT 150 Scanner; New Line of Scanners Captures Data and Images More Quickly and Accurately.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- Pearson Assessments announced today the launch of the iNSIGHT(TM) 150 line of scanners, which will allow schools, businesses and other organizations to capture data and images from forms more rapidly than ever before. The technologies used in the iNSIGHT 150 system help ensure the accuracy of scanned information with minimal effort.

"We know that our customers need scanning solutions that are fast, accurate and competitively priced," said John Harnett, president, Pearson Assessments. "With the iNSIGHT 150, they will be able to collect and manage large quantities of data with the confidence that the resulting scanned information is correct."

The iNSIGHT 150 scans at a rate of 15,000 sheets per hour - 50 percent faster than previous scanners. It combines the ease of image scanning with the high accuracy of optical mark recognition (OMR). Using the iNSIGHT 150, structured responses to multiple choice questions or surveys are gathered at the same time as images of more free-form responses, such as short hand-written answers.

The iNSIGHT 150 scanner includes two built-in read modes: one for reading pencil marks and one for reading marks made with blue or black ink. The system interprets OMR, hand and machine printed characters, bar code, mark sense and binary coded numbers. For example, student ID numbers or Social Security numbers can be pre-printed on data collection forms, reducing errors and saving data entry time.

This high volume scanner ties images to OMR data records, creating files that can be archived and retrieved later for review or evaluation. Student work such as essays can be routed to teachers or to other reviewers for evaluation.

For more information about the iNSIGHT 150, visit http://www.PearsonNCS.com/imaging/insight150htm or call 800-447-3269.

About Pearson Assessments

Pearson Assessments provides assessment instruments and data capture tools and technologies for use in education, business and health care settings. Backed by a half century of knowledge and expertise, Pearson Assessments - integrating Pearson NCS and the assessment division of AGS Publishing with the original Pearson Assessments business - offers products and services to deliver the accurate, reliable and usable information that professionals seek. Pearson Assessments is a business of Pearson Education, the world's largest integrated education company, which in turn is part of Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the international media company. Pearson's other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.