Discis launches Multiformat versions of eight National Geographic science
and nature titles

May 9, 1994 (Toronto, Ontario) -- Discis Knowledge Research today announced
the release of eight interactive, CD-ROM based science and nature titles
for children, produced in cooperation with the National Geographic
Society. They are: Butterflies, Spiders, Birds and How They Grow, Farm
Animals, Whales, Dinosaurs: Giant Reptiles, What Air Can Do, and A Tree
Through The Seasons.

The electronic books, featuring photos by world renowned National
Geographic photographers or detailed life-like drawings, will be available
for volume shipments by May 9, 1994. Each CD-ROM is compatible with the
IBM MPC (Multimedia Personal Computer) standard and the Apple Macintosh.
The eight titles will initially be marketed in themed pairs as "Value
Packs" through major computer and consumer electronics resellers and mass
merchandisers at the introductory MSRP of $36.95 for each two book set. A
Parent's Guide is also included, offering numerous suggestions on ways to
extend the learning experience into a variety of educational play
activities away from the computer.

According to Wayne J. Arcus, Vice President of Marketing for Discis, "from
our discussions with parents we know that finding interesting subject
matter is critical to get children involved in reading. For some kids,
conventional children's literature holds little appeal. These books build
on children's natural curiosity about the world around them and the
computer itself to gain that initial interest. Improved reading skills --
and hopefully a broader love of reading -- naturally follow."

The science and nature titles were originally released in 1993 for the
Apple Macintosh by the Education Media Division of the National Geographic
Society as part of a larger five-disc, 23 book library. By publishing
these eight titles in an IBM and Macintosh compatible format, and in
affordable Value Packs, Discis believes they will find an even wider
consumer market.

Extensive Learning Software

Like all Discis Books, the science and nature titles incorporate a full
range of interactive learning features including pronunciation, syllables,
in-context explanations and optional Spanish translation for every word in
the text as well as life-like drawings or photographs. The text is
optionally narrated (with color highlighting to help the child follow
along) and there is extensive use of sound effects to accompany the text
and visuals. Young readers can also use the computer mouse to click on
elements of photos or illustrations and get a visual "label," audio
pronunciation, sound effects as well as an optional Spanish translation of
the item selected. Selected words are saved in a Recall List for later
review, and many of the books' features can be customized to meet
individual needs.

The winner of many parenting, education and computer industry awards,
Discis Knowledge Research pioneered interactive CD-ROM based children's
books, and is one of the industry's leading publishers. Its product lines
includes a broad range of titles for preschool and elementary grade
children (the Kids Basics and Kids Can Read brands), with special versions
of Discis Books available for classroom use.

Discis Knowledge Research Inc
PO Box 66, Buffalo, NY 14223-0066
800-567-4321

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