DreamBox Learning is an online software provider that focuses on mathematics education at the elementary and middle school level. DreamBox Learning provides pre-kindergarten through 8th-grade students with over 1,800 lessons presented as animated adventures, games, and challenges. Badges, coins, and unlockable mini-games are also integrated into the software to reward and engage students in their mathematics lessons. DreamBox Learning software utilizes an Intelligent Adaptive Learning Engine, which identifies a student's skill level and tailors each child's experience to increase learning opportunities before proceeding to new learning objectives. Adaptive learning technology captures decisions the student makes, and based upon perceived mastery, DreamBox Learning alters the educational path of the student.
History
In 2006, DreamBox Learning was founded in Bellevue, Washington by former CEO and serial entrepreneur, Lou Gray, and Ben Slivka. In 2010, DreamBox Learning was acquired by the Charter School Growth Fund. The acquisition was sponsored by Netflix CEO Reed Hastings through a program-related investment. Jessie Woolley-Wilson became President and CEO of DreamBox Learning shortly after the company changed possession. DreamBox Learning provides its software to both students outside the classroom seeking to augment their mathematics education and school districts seeking to enhance their mathematics curriculum. In 2012, DreamBox Learning offered free trial licensing of lessons aligned with the Common Core State Standards Initiative to all schools within the United States. The company released a free iPad app, DreamBox Math Learning program.
In 2014, DreamBox launched its Adaptive Math Curriculum for students in grades six through eight, with topics including basic functions, geometry, single-variable algebra, and ratios. Also in 2014, the International Society for Technology Education reported that DreamBox added Spanish language support to its adaptive math software for students in grades K-8 to serve students who are learning English as a second language. In 2016, the company updated its K-8 math curriculum with the ability to create custom assignments for individual students.
Funding
DreamBox has raised money through at least six funding rounds. The first was a Series A round announced in December 2013 and led by Reed Hastings and John Doerr, which raised US$14,500,000. A later fundraising round was closed in 2015 and led by Owl Ventures, which raised US$10,000,000.
Intelligent Adaptive Learning Engine
DreamBox Learning software was developed using the Intelligent Adaptive Learning Engine. This technology captures all decisions the student makes and uses that intelligence to create a customized educational path for each individual. The platform evaluates the student's ability as they attempt to solve mathematics problems and suggests lessons specifically fitting the student's understanding and skill level. Correct answers prove mastery of the learning objective and incorrect answers demonstrate a lack of understanding. With DreamBox Learning and adaptive learning technology, each student has a customized experience with mathematical studies.
DreamBox Learning is partnered with the education startup Clever Inc. In 2016, The Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University performed a study that found a positive correlation between using DreamBox's adaptive learning and test scores.
Awards
- 2013 CODiE awards
- Best pk-12 personalized learning solution
- Best Mathematics Instructional Solution
- 2013 Return on Education Innovation Award in STEMEd Software
- 2013 on for Learning Award
- Lead411 List of Hot Seattle Companies
- 2012 Tech & Learning Award of Excellence
- 2012 BESSIE Award for Best Early Elementary Math Website
- 2012 Seal of Approval from The National Parenting Center
- 2011 EDDIE Award for Early Elementary Math Website
- 2011 BESSIE Award for Best Elementary Math Website
- 2010 Tech & Learning Award of Excellence
- 2010 Parents’ Choice Gold Award
- 2010 BESSIE Award for Best Elementary Website
- Mom's Choice Gold Award
- 2009 AEP Golden Lamp Award for Technology Innovation
- 2009 AEP Distinguished Achievement Award for Educational Toys and Games
- 2009 Tech & Learning Award of Excellence
- The National Parenting Publication Award
- 2009 Parents’ Choice Gold Award
- Tillywig Brain Child Award
- Toy Man eChoice Award
- Toy Man Award of Excellence
- Dr. Toy's Best Vacation Product Award
External links
- Official Website