Big Universe Learning Conducts Effectiveness Study of its E-book Platform for K-12 Classrooms

RESTON, VA, March 19, 2014 (Press-News.org) Big Universe Learning (www.biguniverse.com), a leading provider of literacy solutions for K-8 education, announced today the preliminary results of an efficacy study of its e-book platform. The national effectiveness study is being conducted by SEG Measurement (www.segmeasurement.com), an independent research firm.

"Teachers, parents and students have told us how Big Universe increases the amount of student reading and learning. With this study, we will have independent, scientific evidence of the effectiveness of the Big Universe platform" said Anil Hemrajani, CEO of Big Universe Learning. "We are pleased that we can provide this information to our customers and potential customers."

The study is evaluating the effectiveness of Big Universe's K-8 literacy solution by comparing the amount of student learning achieved by a group of students (treatment group) using the Big Universe platform to a group of students (control group) who are not using Big Universe. Both the treatment and control group are taking a pre-test at the beginning of the study and a posttest at the end of the study. Teachers are providing feedback at several points in the study.

The preliminary results from teachers are positive. A New Hampshire-based teacher commented "My students and parents are excited about the unlimited access to a variety of genres of literature and reading level." Another teacher in Illinois indicated that "..."The students are really enjoying the site... students say that they didn't really like to read, but Big Universe makes them want to read more."

"We applaud Big Universe Learning for undertaking this study and committing to providing students with an evidence-based solution for student learning" said Scott Elliot, President of SEG Measurement. "This two year study, involving more than one thousand students in more than fifty classrooms, will provide useful information for both current users and those considering using the Big Universe platform."

The research is being conducted in two phases. Phase one, being conducted during the 2013-2014 school year, is designed to refine the research design and instrumentation used to measure student and teacher outcomes and collect preliminary evidence of effectiveness. Phase two will be conducted during the 2014-2015 school year and will involve an expanded group of students and classrooms.

About Big Universe Learning

Big Universe is a leading provider of literacy solutions in the K-8 market over its seven year history. Big Universe empowers teachers and engages students in grades K-8 by leveraging technology to improve literacy and performance in all subject areas. They do this by providing a powerful but easy-to-use literacy platform that includes a large library of leveled nonfiction and fiction e-books from 129 publishers, robust quizzes, student publishing with writing lesson plans, teacher management tools, data reporting, and more. Big Universe is accessible anytime-anywhere...... all of this, while inspiring students to both read and write and ultimately, giving teachers more time to teach.

About SEG Measurement

SEG Measurement is a leading provider of efficacy research and assessment development services. We believe that every student has the right to an evidence-based education. SEG has been providing assessment and research services for 35 years and is located in New Hope, Pennsylvania.