LearningExpress Library an invaluable online resource

      Want to brush up on math and English, fine tune computer skills, score higher on the ACT? Need to pass the civil service test? Preparing to take an exam to get a license for a specific job?

      Enter LearningExpress Library. Available free to every Ohioan, LearningExpress Library (LEL) is an online source of interactive tutorial courses and practice tests.

      “All you invest is your time,” said Louis Mays, professor and librarian at Southern State Community College. “This is an excellent opportunity to drill and practice in math and writing. I tell my students to be proactive, not reactive. All you need is an account, a computer and access to the Internet.  If you don’t have a computer, use those that are available at your local public or college library.”

      Individuals can brush up on math, reasoning, reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, writing and grammar, and prepare for college entrance exams such as ACT, SAT, Advanced Placement, CLEP, PRAXIS, CUNY Skills Assessment Tests, PSAT, NMSQT, THEA and TOEFL iBT. Current college students can prepare for such graduate school entrance exams as GMAT, GRE, LSAT and MCAT. Students attending Ohio public schools could benefit with practice on the elementary, middle and high school areas of LEL. Many of the tests and courses are aligned with Ohio’s Academic Content Standards.

      “LearningExpress Library helped me in my math class,” said Todd Sanders, a Southern State student from Hillsboro. “I heard about it in class and signed up right away. I like it because I can get every test graded immediately, and then I can review my results. What better way to learn? LearningExpress Library helped me pass algebra class.”

      Computer skills tutorial courses include Corel WordPerfect, Windows and Mac operating systems and Microsoft Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word. Other tests and courses include electrical, plumbing, air traffic control, military aviation, civil service, commercial driver’s license, cosmetology, emergency medical services, firefighter, law enforcement, military, nursing and allied health, real estate, teaching, as well as GED preparation, business writing, job search, resumes, interviewing, and skill building in math, reading, writing and grammar.

      “Students preparing to enter nursing school must pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) in order to get accepted into nursing school,” said Julie Krebs, Southern State director of nursing. “Students must score in the 50th percentile on the TEAS. Students can purchase expensive books to help them prepare, or they can practice free of charge the seven entrance tests in Learning Express Library. It really makes a difference because it’s readily available on the Internet, it’s free, and you can drill and practice any of the subjects over and over until you get it.”

      Once a user gets a score, LearningExpress Library will make personal recommendations based on that score for the user. Users can progress at their own rate of speed.

      “For an adult re-entering the workforce or going back to college, it’s particularly difficult,” said Mays. “Many adults are embarrassed about their skill level in math, reading, grammar or English. With LearningExpress Library, they can take a course or test and review the scores privately, in the comfort of their own homes or while visiting a local library. No one is looking over their shoulder at their scores.”

      Whatever your goal, LearningExpress Library’s resources can help you succeed. Each of the Learning Centers offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life. Looking to land a job? You’ll find an entire Learning Center dedicated to helping you get the one that’s right for you.

      The only catch is that you initially must register for an account at a school site, a public library, or a college campus. That’s it. After you register for an account, you can access your online account from anywhere. To learn more about LearningExpress Library or to register for a free account, contact the library staff at Southern State Community College by calling toll-free 1-800-628-7722, ext. 3680.  For more information, visit the LEL web site at http://www.learningexpresslibrary.com.