ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, March 1, 2005 -- ProQuest Information and Learning has acquired ExploreLearning, producers of the world's largest online simulation library for math and science education. With an objective of helping learners make sense of complex scientific and mathematical principles, ExploreLearning offers modular, interactive math and science simulations (manipulatives) for teachers and students in grades six through 12. Its growing base of support materials provides a powerful enhancement to the way teachers teach and students learn.

"ExploreLearning brings research-based instructional methods for math and science to the classroom. The simulations, called Gizmos™, are designed to supplement curriculum materials and fully support state and national curriculum standards," said Al DeSeta, President of K-12, ProQuest Information and Learning. "The use of manipulatives in science and math are proven to aid student success. With more than 400 Gizmo manipulatives online, ExploreLearning has helped thousands of students to grasp complex concepts.

"As the need for math and science literacy support grows, we will provide quality products to help support learning in these critical areas. ProQuest is committed to supporting students with quality curriculum materials, and the acquisition of ExploreLearning leads our expansion into math and science support," said DeSeta.

ExploreLearning has garnered a number of awards, including a Diamond Award in Mathematics from District Administration Magazine and an E-Learning Innovation Award from Macromedia Corporation; the company was also listed three times in Eisenhower National Clearinghouse's Digital Dozen.

David Shuster, the founder of ExploreLearning, said, "The entire ExploreLearning team is delighted about becoming part of the ProQuest family. ProQuest has a deep commitment to supporting teaching and learning and has great reach in the K-12 market. We look forward to working together to reach even more teachers and students."

ExploreLearning operations will remain in Charlottesville, Virginia. Customer service and technical support contacts will remain unchanged for customers. Customers can continue to access products at www.explorelearning.com. Free 30-day trials are available to educators.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

About ProQuest Information and Learning

ProQuest Information and Learning is a world leader in collecting, organizing, and publishing information worldwide for researchers, faculty, and students in libraries and schools. Users access the information through the ProQuest® Web-based online information system, Chadwyck-Healey™ electronic and microform resources, UMI® microform and print reference products, eLibrary™ and SIRS® educational resources, and XanEdu™ online faculty and student resources. In addition, the company provides innovative learning solutions that help both teachers and students, such as products from Voyager Expanded Learning and Reading A-Z. Voyager Expanded Learning is a leader for in-school reading solutions and professional development throughout the U.S.; Reading A-Z offers more than 1,000 downloadable books along with lesson plans and other resources. For more information about ProQuest Information and Learning, visit www.il.proquest.com.