Integrated Learning Systems
An integrated learning system (ILS) is a complete set of computer software to help in the teaching/learning process. An ILS can pre-test a student, provide tutorials in areas where a student is weak, post-test a student, and print progress reports and grade level reports for the teacher.
An ILS is excellent in helping a student learn facts and computation skills. An ILS is not adequate for teaching creative skills or problem-solving.
There are many ILS products on the market including Jostens, CNS, PLATO, Wicat, and CCC. PLATO is the ILS we have in Grand County School District.
PLATO 2000
The PLATO curricula is divided into five general categories:
BASIC LITERACY SKILLS: reading, language arts, math grades K through 6.
ADVANCED LITERACY SKILLS: reading, writing, science, social studies, and math from grades 7 to 12.
INTERMEDIATE MATH: algebra and geometry.
ADVANCED MATH AND SCIENCE: precalculus, calculus, physics, chemistry, ForTran, and Pascal.
OTHER: ESL, Technical Skills Series, Life Coping Skills, Job Search, Parenting, Computer Awareness, and Substance Abuse.
Grand County School District's PLATO Curricula
PLATO 2000 is installed on the network at Grand County High School. We have purchased the Basic Literacy Skills, the Advanced Literacy Skills, Algebra, and four of the Other packages (Life Coping Skills, Job Search, Parenting, and Computer Awareness).
Each curriculum has a code associated with it. A teacher rosters (registers) students into the PLATO system and gives them a curriculum code.
In addition to the regular PLATO curricula, we have purchased an ancilliary set of software called the Grade Level Series. This software will test the grade level of the student placed in the PLATO system. The Grade Level tests were developed for JTPA (Job Training Placement Act -- a Federal program to help educationally disadvantaged students).
Each curriculum has a binder describing the objectives and outcomes. Mastery may be set by the teacher.
For more information
If you would like more training on using the PLATO system with your students, contact your Sysop or the district technology director.
Keyboard Codes for PLATO
F1 = copy
F2 = answer
F3 =
F4 = micro
F5 = edit
F6 = help
F7 = lab
F8 = back up
F9 = data
F10 = stop
Shift + F2 = term
Shift + F4 = font change
Shift + F10 = exit current lesson
(if you're in a lesson)
Shift + F10 = exit PLATO
(if not in a lesson)
Shift + Backspace = erase word
Ctrl + - = subscript
Ctrl + + = superscript
Special keys for math lessons
+ for addition
- for subtraction
Delete for multiplication
Insert for division
Ctrl + + for exponents
(same as for superscripts)
/ for fractions
/ for mixed numbers
(be sure to press the spacebar
between the whole number and
the fractional part of a mixed
number. Example: 3 1/2)
