Futurekids

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.

Infobox Company
name = Futurekids, Inc.

type = Private
genre =
foundation = Westwood, CA, 1983
founder = Peter Markovitz
location_city = El Segundo, CA
location_country = United States
location =
locations =
area_served = Worldwide
key_people =
industry = Educational software
products =
services =
revenue =
operating_income =
net_income =
assets =
equity =
owner = Bob and Jan Davidson
num_employees =
parent =
divisions =
subsid =
slogan =
homepage = www.futurekids.com
footnotes =
intl =

History

Founded in 1983 [ [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m5072/is_n44_v16/ai_16479246 FutureKids leaps to get its toe into schoolhouse door - Futurekids Inc] Los Angeles Business Journal, November 7, 1994. Retrieved on March 19, 2008.] , Futurekids was among the first computer and technology training programs in the United States [ [http://www.chamber.org.hk/info/member_a_week/member_profile.asp?id=1 FutureKids] Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Retrieved on March 19, 2008.] , 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 & Associates, an early educational software companies and makers 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 [ [http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/6/prweb136673.htm Todays Family” to feature Futurekids] Today's Family, June 26, 2004. Retrieved on March 19, 2008.] . 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 [Michael Eugene [http://contracts.lausd.net/Docs/MEM-430%20Eval%20of%20Svcs.pdf Los Angeles Unified School District Memorandum] . Los Angeles Unified School District, November 2003. Retrieved on March 19, 2008.] , Pennsylvania [Kenneth Voss [http://www.ambridge.k12.pa.us/pdf/stratplan/EdTechPlan.pdf Educational Technology Plan] . PA Dept. of Education, July 2007. Retrieved on March 19, 2008.] , 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 [ [http://www.siia.net/codies/2008/finalists.asp 2008 SIIA Codie Award Finalists] . SIIA, February 2008. Retrieved on March 19, 2008.] among educational software in the best instructional solution in other curriculum areas category [ [http://www.siia.net/codies/2008/finalist_detail.asp?id=38 2008 Best Instructional Solution in Other Curriculum Areas] . ]

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 Pennyslvania. [ [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pennsylvania+Launches+Classrooms+for+the+Future+to+Transform...-a0158212441 Pennsylvania Launches Classrooms for the Future to Transform Education and Spark High School Reform.] Business Wire Jan 24, 2007. Retrieved on March 19, 2008.]

In 2004, Platinum Television Group selected Futurekids for a segment on Today's Family, a series that celebrates successful parenting solutions, [ [http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/6/prweb136673.htm Todays Family” to feature Futurekids] Today's Family, June 26, 2004. Retrieved on March 19, 2008.]

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. [ [State Educational Technology Directors Association (2005). [http://www.setda.org/web/guest/maximizingimpactreport Maximizing the Impact: The pivotal role of technology in a 21st century education system] .(PDF) Retrieved on March 13, 2008.]

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.

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." [White K. [http://www.futurekids.com/links/nws_evts_case_studies.html| Innovation and best practice project: information and communication technology] . Adelaide, South Australia, March 1999. Retrieved on February 26, 2008.]

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." [VanDehey T, Thorsen C. [http://www.futurekids.com/links/nws_evts_case_studies.html| Model technology integration school program: Futurekids, Inc.] Boise State University, Boise, ID. May 2002. Retrieved on February 26, 2008.] 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... " [Martinez JP, Watson-Acosta D, Chandler LL. [http://www.futurekids.com/links/nws_evts_case_studies.html| Investigating the effectiveness of Futurekids professional development: A treatment control groups study] . Center for Positive Practices, Santa Fe, NM. June 2001. Retrieved on February 26, 2008.]

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. [Leiker M. [http://www.futurekids.com/links/nws_evts_articles.html| Technology plays a key role in raising test scores through the development of higher-order thinking skills] . "The Voice: the forum for today’s educators": November 2000. Retrieved on February 26, 2008.]

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. [ [http://www.thejournal.com/articles/15445| Study to Analyze What Factors Contribute to Success in the Use of Technology] . T.H.E Journal, June 2001. Retrieved on March 19, 2008.]

External links

* [http://www.futurekids.com/ Futurekids, Inc.]

Notes