Futurekids
Encyclopedia
Futurekids, Inc. is a privately-held internationally franchised K–12 educational software
company headquartered in El Segundo
, California, which focuses on technological literacy and computer literacy
.
, an early educational software company and maker of the popular Math Blaster and Reading Blaster series.
The company currently offers professional development programs and K–12 technology curriculum in schools in 65 countries. It focuses on the integration of technology and the use of computers in the educational process. Their professional development course is used in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Pennsylvania, and other districts around the world and offered through Dell training and technology certification, and is certified in a number of universities for continuing education
units (CEUs) needed for teaching re-certification in the U.S.
In 2008, the Software and Information Industry Association
(SIIA) selected Futurekids’ Real Journeys in Technology curriculum as a 2008 CODiE awards
finalist among educational software
in the best instructional solution in other curriculum areas category
Futurekids has been awarded contracts for their educational products by the state of Michigan and Pennsylvania.
In 2004, Platinum Television Group selected Futurekids for a segment on Today's Family, a series that celebrates successful parenting solutions,
In 2005, Futurekids worked with Intel Corporation and other technology and national youth organizations in creating the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, an advocacy organization for positioning computer skills at the center of U.S. K–12. In November 2007, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills launched Route 21, an online, one-stop shop for 21st century skills-related information, resources and tools.
In 2006, Adobe
, Intel, Lenovo Group and Futurekids created a web portal, 21st Century Connections, dedicated to delivering technology solutions that will help students learn 21st century skills.
A research project conducted by Boise State University
, Boise, ID, to determine the effects of a new program provided by Futurekids for 5th grade students and teachers concluded the "Technology enriched learning environment had an overall positive effect on reducing a student’s anxiety towards computers and raising their level of enjoyment."
The Center for Positive Practices, conducted a controlled study of the effectiveness of Futurekids, Inc.’s professional development tools and concluded "Futurekids professional development participants performed significantly better than a non-treatment control group on posttest computer literacy... "
Higher math and reading scores in the Kentwood Public Schools District (Michigan) were attributed primarily to the initiation of a technology education program with Futurekids in 1993.
Newsome Park Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia
, implemented a Futurekids program to teach children about technology and apply it to their personal endeavors. In recognition of the program, the school received the 2003 “Virginia Technology Program of the Year Award,” Newsome Park was also recognized as one of 26 program excellence award winners in the U.S. by the International Technology Education Association.
Educational software
Educational software is computer software, the primary purpose of which is teaching or self-learning.-Early History, 1940s - 1970s:The use of computer hardware and software in education and training dates to the early 1940s, when American researchers developed flight simulators which used analog...
company headquartered in El Segundo
El Segundo, California
El Segundo is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Located on the Santa Monica Bay, it was incorporated on January 18, 1917, and is one of the Beach Cities of Los Angeles County and part of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments...
, California, which focuses on technological literacy and computer literacy
Computer literacy
Computer literacy is defined as the knowledge and ability to use computers and related technology efficiently, with a range of skills covering levels from elementary use to programming and advanced problem solving. Computer literacy can also refer to the comfort level someone has with using...
.
History
Founded in 1983, Futurekids was among the first computer and technology training programs in the United States, with a focus on tutored computer learning centers and pre-school technology learning. In 1996, the company was purchased by Robert M. Davidson and Janice G. Davidson, PhD, education entrepreneurs and founders of Davidson & AssociatesDavidson & Associates
Davidson & Associates was an educational software company headquartered in Torrance, California. It was best known for the Blaster series, including Math Blaster and Reading Blaster...
, an early educational software company and maker of the popular Math Blaster and Reading Blaster series.
The company currently offers professional development programs and K–12 technology curriculum in schools in 65 countries. It focuses on the integration of technology and the use of computers in the educational process. Their professional development course is used in the Los Angeles Unified School District, Pennsylvania, and other districts around the world and offered through Dell training and technology certification, and is certified in a number of universities for continuing education
Continuing education
Continuing education is an all-encompassing term within a broad spectrum of post-secondary learning activities and programs. The term is used mainly in the United States and Canada...
units (CEUs) needed for teaching re-certification in the U.S.
In 2008, the Software and Information Industry Association
Software and Information Industry Association
The Software & Information Industry Association is a United States based software trade association. The organization lobbies United States policy makers as well as conducting surveys and research and many conferences and webcasts....
(SIIA) selected Futurekids’ Real Journeys in Technology curriculum as a 2008 CODiE awards
Codie awards
The CODiE awards are annual awards issued by the Software and Information Industry Association for excellence in software development within the software industry....
finalist among educational software
Educational software
Educational software is computer software, the primary purpose of which is teaching or self-learning.-Early History, 1940s - 1970s:The use of computer hardware and software in education and training dates to the early 1940s, when American researchers developed flight simulators which used analog...
in the best instructional solution in other curriculum areas category
Projects
Futurekids’ products and services are aligned with technology standards, including the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE); the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA); Project Tomorrow, and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN).Futurekids has been awarded contracts for their educational products by the state of Michigan and Pennsylvania.
In 2004, Platinum Television Group selected Futurekids for a segment on Today's Family, a series that celebrates successful parenting solutions,
In 2005, Futurekids worked with Intel Corporation and other technology and national youth organizations in creating the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, an advocacy organization for positioning computer skills at the center of U.S. K–12. In November 2007, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills launched Route 21, an online, one-stop shop for 21st century skills-related information, resources and tools.
In 2006, Adobe
Adobe
Adobe is a natural building material made from sand, clay, water, and some kind of fibrous or organic material , which the builders shape into bricks using frames and dry in the sun. Adobe buildings are similar to cob and mudbrick buildings. Adobe structures are extremely durable, and account for...
, Intel, Lenovo Group and Futurekids created a web portal, 21st Century Connections, dedicated to delivering technology solutions that will help students learn 21st century skills.
Evaluation studies
The “Innovation and Best Practice Project” on information and communication technology conducted in Adelaide, South Australia, found that "the Futurekids’ curriculum engenders authentic learning and student engagement."A research project conducted by Boise State University
Boise State University
Boise State University is a public university located in Boise, Idaho. Originally founded in 1932 as a junior college by the Episcopal Church, the university became an independent institution in 1934, and has been awarding baccalaureate and master degrees since 1965...
, Boise, ID, to determine the effects of a new program provided by Futurekids for 5th grade students and teachers concluded the "Technology enriched learning environment had an overall positive effect on reducing a student’s anxiety towards computers and raising their level of enjoyment."
The Center for Positive Practices, conducted a controlled study of the effectiveness of Futurekids, Inc.’s professional development tools and concluded "Futurekids professional development participants performed significantly better than a non-treatment control group on posttest computer literacy... "
Higher math and reading scores in the Kentwood Public Schools District (Michigan) were attributed primarily to the initiation of a technology education program with Futurekids in 1993.
Newsome Park Elementary School in Newport News, Virginia
Newport News, Virginia
Newport News is an independent city located in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area of Virginia. It is at the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula, on the north shore of the James River extending southeast from Skiffe's Creek along many miles of waterfront to the river's mouth at Newport News...
, implemented a Futurekids program to teach children about technology and apply it to their personal endeavors. In recognition of the program, the school received the 2003 “Virginia Technology Program of the Year Award,” Newsome Park was also recognized as one of 26 program excellence award winners in the U.S. by the International Technology Education Association.