LearningExpress Demo
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, MeL Training Materials
8/08 SR
Because time is so limited, explain to the class that you are going to demonstrate this but not have
them follow along. Go to mel.org and find LearningExpress in the list, then click to open it. Point
out the features of the home screen -- Black banner across the top, Welcome message with library
name, MeL logo. On the left side is a list of test categories. At the top left is a box for
logging in either as a returning or new user. Log yourself in.
The main point to try to make for LearningExpress for kids is that there are many tests for
elementary and middle school students. With the emphasis on the SAT and on licensing exams for
adults trying to changes careers, etc., this content is sometimes overlooked.
THIS IS THE ONLY DATABASE WE HAVE THAT ABSOLUTELY REQUIRES EVERY USER TO CREATE AND USE AN
INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT. This is because there has to be a way to store test scores and other
information. We strongly recommend that the username is the complete email address of the person
(for example: John.Doe@abcnet.com)and that they use the same password as they use with their email
account because we have no way of retrieving forgotten passwords. Teachers may want to make a list
of what accounts students create because youngsters may often forget these things.
Point out that now they are viewing a screen where they could actually do something. Scroll through
and point out the major categories plus the tests in each section, just so they have a better idea of
what MeL provides. Go to the section Elementary School Skills Improvement and select the test
for 4th grade math practice. Two test options are available. Click on Practice Now for the
California test.
Click on Start. Point out all the directions that teachers would probably want to review before
having kids that the test. At the bottom of the page, click on Start.
Today you're going to fail a test! Answer the first 3 questions, and then click on Score my Test at
the top of the page. Many messages will appear indicating the test has not been completed, but we
don't want to take time doing the questions, so just continue clicking on OK and score my test.
Here is the best part. Click on View Answers at the bottom of the page. Point out
that for each question there is an EXPLANATION of why the answer was correct or not. If students
got the question wrong, this is a great way to review and figure out how to do this right the next
time.
Click on My Account at the top, then log out. It is VERY important to log out. Otherwise funky
cookies can be left on the computer which interfere with using LearningExpress the next time.
No exercises for this one.
