January 8, 2014

In December I shared that LearningExpress was making a major update to the LearningExpress Library interface, and that in January, we at the State Library would begin the transition from version 2.0 to 3.0. That transition has begun, and there are now two links to LearningExpress Library on OSLIS, one for version 2.0 and another for 3.0.

In a Nutshell, What are the Major Impacts for Students and Educators?
Should I use Version 2.0 or 3.0?
In January 2014, the LearningExpress Library (LEL) interface underwent a major update. Use version 3.0 if you are new to LearningExpress Library. Everyone who registered for LEL using version 2.0 will have to create a new account in version 3.0. If you have unfinished tests or courses in version 2.0, you have until the end of June 2014 to complete them. The link to version 2.0 will be removed from OSLIS on July 1, 2014. Also note that materials for the updated GED test are only available in version 3.0.

What is LearningExpress Library?
LearningExpress Library helps students and adult learners improve the skills required for academic and career success. There are practice sets and tutorials to develop skills in math, reading, writing, and basic sciences. Also, there are practice tests to help prepare for taking the GED, SAT, ACT, AP, PSAT/NMSQT, career certification tests such as NCLEX-RN, Praxis I® and II, and more. Popular software tutorials and basic computer instruction are also included.

What is Different about 3.0?
Upgraded features in LearningExpress Library 3.0 include a new format and new user interface that provide easier access to content. Centers are collections of related materials organized around a theme or classification of user; there are now 8 centers:

• School Center (Elementary, Middle, and High School)

• High School Equivalency Center (GED)

• College Preparation Center (includes AP practice tests)

• College Center

• Career Center
• Popular Software Skills Center

• Adult Learning Center
• Recursos para Hispanhoblantes (Spanish) Center

The new test preparation features include three modes: learner, exam, and simulation. In learner mode, users can view the answers to each question as they go along to help them study. For practice mode, answers with explanations are viewable after the test is finished, and if the test is timed, the timer will display but will not be enforced. In simulation mode, the test will stop when the timer is up. There are other changes, too.

How Does the Upgrade Impact Users?
The update of LearningExpress Library and the shift to a new platform requires users to create new accounts. Accounts from LearningExpress 2.0 will not be carried over to the new version. Users should be encouraged to finish their work in version 2.0, create a new account in version 3.0, and start using version 3.0. The link to version 2.0 will be removed from OSLIS at the end of June 2014. In addition, all new content added to LearningExpress Library, including materials for the new 2014 GED test, will only be available in version 3.0.

How Do I Create a LearningExpress Library Account?
When someone registers for or accesses an account with a subscription-based product, the vendor needs a way to know that person has the right to use their product. LearningExpress uses the referring URL, coming from OSLIS, as authentication during account registration. That means anyone who registers for a LearningExpress Library account must start from the LEL link on the OSLIS Find Information pages. If you add the LEL link to your school’s or library’s website, users will get error messages when using that link to sign up for an LEL account. However, they can use a link on your website to log in once they have an account. (If you want to have a link called LearningExpress Library on your school or library website, I encourage you to direct it to the appropriate Find Information page on OSLIS, like this one for secondary students, where LEL is prominently featured.) Once you click on the LEL link from any OSLIS Find Information page, click on the larger 3.0 LEL logo, click on New User? Register (found in the bottom right corner), and follow the directions to create an account.

How Do I Learn More about Version 3.0?
LearningExpress Library provides regularly scheduled webinars specifically on the new features of 3.0. Please go to their product training site to register. There are two webinars in January and two in February. There are also recorded videos introducing version 3.0 available. Promotional materials for version 3.0 are available.

How Will I Remember This Information?
Until we remove the 2.0 link from OSLIS on July 1, 2014, there is a simple Q&A linked under the LearningExpress Library links on all of the Find Information pages on OSLIS. Also, this message will soon be posted in the OSLIST archive on OSLIS.

If you have questions about LearningExpress Library, the transition to 3.0, or how to access this resource, please ask.

Thanks,
Jen

Jennifer Maurer
School Library Consultant
Oregon State Library