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{{advert|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox dot-com company
|name = ABCmouse.com
|logo =
| type = [[Education]]
| location = [[Glendale, California|Glendale]], [[California]], U.S.
| industry = Education
| parent = [[Age of Learning, Inc.]]
|url = [http://www.abcmouse.com/ abcmouse.com]
| advertising = No
|language = English
|area_served = [[United States|U.S.]] and [[Canada]]
|launch_date = {{Start date|2010|11|10}}
}}

'''ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy''' is a subscription-based digital education program for children ages 2–8, created by Age of Learning, Inc.<ref>{{Cite web|title = NAPPAawards.com|url = http://www.nappaawards.com/#!ABCmousecom-Early-Learning-Academy-by-Age-of-Learning-Inc/cpt1/55fb49450cf2f0ed7a19a428|website = NAPPAawards.com|accessdate = 2015-10-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc2news.com/news/technology/five-literacy-apps-to-boost-your-childs-love-for-books|title=5 free literacy apps to help your kid embrace reading|last=Bembry|first=Chental|date=2017-08-08|work=WMAR|access-date=2017-09-25|language=en-US}}</ref> Subscribers can access learning activities on the ABCmouse.com [[website]] or [[mobile app]] for [[Tablet computer|tablet]] or [[smartphone]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy - The National Parenting Center|url = http://the-parenting-center.com/abcmouse-com-early-learning-academy/|website = The National Parenting Center|accessdate = 2015-10-28|language = en}}</ref> Subjects covered include reading and language arts, math, science, health, social studies, music, and art.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Site Review: ABC Mouse|url = http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/site-reviews/abc-mouse.shtml|website = www.educationworld.com|accessdate = 2015-10-28}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.connecthomenation.org/stakeholders-abcmouse|title=ABCMouse|website=ConnectHome Nation|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref>

ABCmouse.com is also made available at no cost to teachers,<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/K-2_Tech_Literacy_9.27.13_435407_7.pdf|title = K-2 Resources to Support Tech Literacy in Young Students|last = |first = |date = September 27, 2013|work = |access-date = October 28, 2015|via = Michigan Department of Education}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = WeAreTeachers: ABCmouse.com: FREE Subscription for Teachers|url = http://www.weareteachers.com/blogs/deal-finder/2014/07/30/abcmouse.com-free-subscription-for-teachers|website = www.weareteachers.com|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abcmouse.com/teachers|title=Create a Free Teacher Account {{!}} ABCmouse|website=www.abcmouse.com|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref> [[Head Start Program|Head Start programs]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCMouse.com {{!}} Website Review|url = http://www.educationcorner.com/abc-mouse.html|website = www.educationcorner.com|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = albinaheadstart|url = http://www.albinahs.org/|website = albinaheadstart|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abcmouse.com/headstart|title=ABCmouse.com|website=www.abcmouse.com|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref> [[Public library|public libraries]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = Free Online Curriculum: ABCMouse.com for Libraries Launches at ALA {{!}} ALA 2014|url = http://www.slj.com/2014/07/public-libraries/free-online-curriculum-abcmouse-com-for-libraries-launches-at-ala-ala-2014/|website = School Library Journal|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com {{!}} Los Angeles Public Library|url = http://www.lapl.org/collections-resources/articles-and-information/abc-mousecom|website = www.lapl.org|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abcmouse.com/libraries|title=ABCmouse: Kids Learning, Phonics, Educational Games, Preschool-Kindergarten Reading|website=www.abcmouse.com|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref> [[Public housing authority|public housing authorities]], and other community organizations.<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=cn-ta-newsltr_jan2015.pdf|title = Choice Neighborhoods e-Newsletter|last = |first = |date = January 2015|work = |access-date = October 28, 2015|via = }}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abcmouse.com/communitycenters|title=ABCmouse.com|website=www.abcmouse.com|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref>

As of 2016, ABCmouse for Teachers was used in more than 65,000 classrooms and ABCmouse for Libraries was available at one-third of U.S. public libraries,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-05-03-from-mouse-to-unicorn-age-of-learning-raises-150m-at-1b-valuation-to-expand-to-schools|title=From Mouse to Unicorn: Age of Learning Raises $150M at $1B Valuation, Eyes Expansion Into Schools - EdSurge News|date=2016-05-03|work=EdSurge|access-date=2017-09-25|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="eSchool News">{{Cite news|url=https://www.eschoolnews.com/2016/07/11/abcmouse-launches-school-centered-platform-for-k-2/|title=ABCmouse launches school-centered platform for K-2|date=2016-07-11|work=eSchool News|access-date=2017-09-25|language=en-US}}</ref> including all branches in Los Angeles,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lapl.org/kids/fun|title=Fun {{!}} Los Angeles Public Library|website=www.lapl.org|language=en|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref> Chicago,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chipublib.org/resource/abcmouse/|title=ABCmouse.com|access-date=2017-09-25|language=en-US}}</ref> Houston, and Brooklyn.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bklynlibrary.org/learning-resources-detail/84892|title=Learning Resources {{!}} Brooklyn Public Library|website=www.bklynlibrary.org|language=en-us|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref>

ABCmouse for Schools, a product designed for school districts or chains of schools, launched at the 2016 [[International Society for Technology in Education|ISTE]] conference.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thejournal.com/articles/2016/06/28/age-of-learning-debuts-elementary-school-resources.aspx|title=Age of Learning Debuts Elementary School Resources -- THE Journal|website=THE Journal|access-date=2016-11-11}}</ref>

In 2017, a two-year longitudinal study published in the Journal of Applied Research on Children concluded that the use of ABCmouse Early Learning Academy improved school readiness and accelerated students’ learning gains in math and literacy skills.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=K.P.|first=Thai Ph.D.,|last2=Leslie|first2=Ponciano Ph.D.,|date=2016|title=Improving Outcomes for At-Risk Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Students with a Digital Learning Resource|url=http://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/childrenatrisk/vol7/iss2/8/|journal=Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk|language=en|volume=7|issue=2|issn=2155-5834}}</ref>

== Age of Learning, Inc. ==
ABCmouse.com is produced by Age of Learning, Inc., a privately owned [[Educational technology|education technology]] company.<ref>{{Cite web|title = National Joint Powers Alliance :: ABCmouse.com, by Age of Learning, Inc.|url = http://www.njpacoop.org/national-cooperative-contract-solutions/contracts-general/education-curriculum/101713-aol/|website = www.njpacoop.org|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref> The company was founded in 2007 by [[Doug Dohring]] and is headquartered in Glendale, CA.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Age of Learning, Inc.: Private Company Information - Businessweek|url = https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=134387409|website = Businessweek.com|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref> Age of Learning launched ABCmouse.com in 2010 after three years of development, guided by a team of educators, and following testing by 10,000 families.<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com Will Teach Your 2- to 6-Year-Old Their ABCs (And 'Thank You' & 'Please!') -- All Online!|url = http://hollywoodlife.com/2010/11/16/abcmouse-early-learning-academy-online-teaching-doug-dohring/|website = Hollywood Life|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref>

Members of Age of Learning's Curriculum Board include 2006 [[National Teacher of the Year]] Award recipient Kimberly Oliver Burnim,<ref>{{Cite news|url = http://www.ccsso.org/documents/ntoy/applications/2006ntoyapp.pdf|title = National Teacher of the Year Program|last = |first = |date = 2006|work = |access-date = October 28, 2015|via = }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Wilmington University News Release - 2006 National Teacher of the Year Speaks at Wilmington University’s Student Teacher Orientation|url = http://www.wilmu.edu/news/newsArticle.aspx?newsID=78|website = www.wilmu.edu|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref> 2014 [[National Teachers Hall of Fame]] inductee Dr. Rebecca Palacios,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Two AFT members to enter Teachers Hall of Fame|url = http://www.aft.org/news/two-aft-members-enter-teachers-hall-fame|website = American Federation of Teachers|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Dr. Rebecca A. Palacios « The National Teacher Hall of Fame|url = http://www.nthf.org/dr-rebecca-a-palacios|website = www.nthf.org|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref> and [[Science Writing Award]]-winning writer Stephen M. Tomecek.<ref>{{Cite web|title = 21st Century Children's Nonfiction Conference ~ Faculty|url = http://www.21cnfc.com/faculty.html|website = www.21cnfc.com|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref> The board is overseen by two-time [[Peabody Award]]-winner [[Dave Hendry]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.peabodyawards.com/award-profile/good-morning-miss-toliver|title=Good Morning, Miss Toliver|access-date=2016-12-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.peabodyawards.com/award-profile/the-eddie-files|title=The Eddie Files|access-date=2016-12-15}}</ref>

In 2014, at the [[White House]] Summit on Early Education, Age of Learning pledged to the ''Invest In Us'' campaign to provide services valued at more than $10 million to preschool, pre-k, and Head Start classrooms over two years.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Invest in US: President Obama Convenes the White House Summit on Early Education|url = http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/12/10/invest-us-president-obama-convenes-white-house-summit-early-education|website = whitehouse.gov|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Age of Learning Inc./ABCmouse.com - Invest In Us|url = https://investinus.org/abcmouse-com/|website = Invest In Us|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref> In 2015, the company partnered with another White House initiative, ''ConnectHome'', to make ABCmouse.com for free to families living in public housing in 27 cities and one tribal nation, serving up to 65,000 children.<ref>{{Cite web|title = White House Partnership to Provide Early Learning Curriculum to Low Income Families|url = http://www.educationworld.com/a_news/white-house-partnership-provide-early-learning-curriculum-low-income-families-64026789|website = www.educationworld.com|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> In 2016, it was reported that Age of Learning raised $150 million from Iconiq Capital, giving the company a $1 billion valuation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/05/03/age-of-learning-a-quiet-giant-in-education-apps-raised-150m-at-a-1b-valuation-from-iconiq/|title=Age of Learning, a quiet giant in education apps, raised $150M at a $1B valuation from Iconiq|last=Lunden|first=Ingrid|website=TechCrunch|access-date=2016-11-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.edsurge.com/news/2016-05-03-from-mouse-to-unicorn-age-of-learning-raises-150m-at-1b-valuation-to-expand-to-schools|title=From Mouse to Unicorn: Age of Learning Raises $150M at $1B Valuation, Eyes Expansion Into Schools (EdSurge News)|newspaper=EdSurge|language=en-US|access-date=2016-11-03}}</ref> Age of Learning also launched ABCmouse for Schools in 2016;<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.abcmouseforschools.com/|title=ABCmouse for Schools|website=www.abcmouseforschools.com|access-date=2017-04-29}}</ref><ref name="eSchool News"/> the enterprise-level solution won an ISTE Best of Show Award at the annual [[EdTech|edtech]] conference.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.techlearning.com/resources/0003/iste-2016-best-of-show-techlearning/70156|title=ISTE 2016 BEST OF SHOW TECH&LEARNING|last=techlearning.com|first=Classroom Technology News {{!}} Educational Apps {{!}} Bloom's Taxonomy {{!}}|access-date=2017-04-29|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Content and structure ==
ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy content currently consists of more than 8,500 learning activities and 850 lessons.<ref name=":0" /> The preschool through second grade curriculum is laid out in a sequence called the “Step by Step Learning Path.”<ref name="NAPPAawards.com">{{Cite web|title = NAPPAawards.com|url = http://www.nappaawards.com/#!ABCmousecom-Early-Learning-Academy-by-Age-of-Learning-Inc/cpt1/55fb49450cf2f0ed7a19a428|website = NAPPAawards.com|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref> Parents can register up to three children and set each one at his or her own level based on age and ability.<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy {{!}} Children's Technology Review|url = http://childrenstech.com/blog/archives/3017|website = childrenstech.com|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref> Children can also use any of the content outside of the set learning path. Activities include videos, coloring activities, learning games, poems, puzzles and songs that cover reading and writing, math, art, music, social studies, science, and health.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.languagemagazine.com/2017/04/summer-literacy-resources/#.WSiPMdhkbwU.facebook|title=Summer Literacy Resources - Language Magazine|date=2017-04-24|work=Language Magazine|access-date=2017-09-25|language=en-US}}</ref> There are also more than 800 digital books, including over 100 Stepped Readers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.languagemagazine.com/2017/04/summer-literacy-resources/|title=Summer Literacy Resources - Language Magazine|date=2017-04-24|work=Language Magazine|access-date=2017-09-25|language=en-US}}</ref> The same content is available whether children log on using their computer or [[mobile device]] ([[iOS]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[Kindle Fire|Kindle]]).<ref>{{Cite web|title = 3 learning apps ease kids back to school|url = https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/gudmundsen/2015/09/13/3-learning-apps-ease-kids-back-school/72004368/|website = USA TODAY|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref name="parenting.blogs.nytimes.com">{{Cite web|title = Apps to Bring Math and Science Skills Back After Summer's Slide|url = http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/08/30/apps-to-bring-math-and-science-skills-back-after-summers-slide/?_r=0|website = Motherlode Blog|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref>

To some, the amount of content “seems almost endless” but can be “almost overwhelming,” suggesting kids will “likely need help navigating the site.”<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com - Early Learning Academy|url = https://www.graphite.org/app/abcmousecom-early-learning-academy|website = www.graphite.org|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref> Others have judged it “easy enough for even the youngest computer users”<ref name="parenting.blogs.nytimes.com"/><ref>{{Cite web|title = Best Android and iPad tablet apps: 2015 Tabby Awards Winners|url = http://tabbyawards.com/winners/2015-best-tablet-apps-ipad-ios-android-winners-users-choice/|website = tabbyawards.com|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref> and “well designed for children to use” with an “[[Interface (computing)|interface]] that is intuitive for them.”<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com|url = http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=28918&StepNum=1|website = Parents' Choice Foundation|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Tillywig Toy Awards - ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy|url = http://www.tillywig.com/Software-Electronics/ABCmouse-com-Early-Learning-Academy|website = www.tillywig.com|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref name="NAPPAawards.com"/>

== Navigation and rewards ==
Children navigate the site with the aid of “[[voice-over]]s, images, and text,” but younger kids may need help.<ref name="ABCMouse.com - Website Review">{{Cite web|title = ABCMouse.com - Website Review|url = https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/abcmousecom|website = www.commonsensemedia.org|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref> Children earn tickets each time they complete a learning activity, which they can use to shop at virtual stores to decorate their room or “buy” things for their pets.<ref name="Site Review: ABC Mouse">{{Cite web|title = Site Review: ABC Mouse|url = http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/site-reviews/abc-mouse.shtml|website = www.educationworld.com|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse Early Learning Academy: Review|url = http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2013/05/abcmouse-early-learning-academy-review.html|website = Smart Apps For Kids|accessdate = 2015-10-29}}</ref>

The ABCmouse.com rewards system is one of its more polarizing features. A review on [[Common Sense Media]] said that rewarding learning with shopping may be “teaching a potentially unintended message.”<ref name="ABCMouse.com - Website Review"/> Others have expressed that this motivation<ref name="Site Review: ABC Mouse"/> encourages completion of activities, understanding of responsibility, and “budgeting and prioritizing.”<ref name="ABCMouse.com - Website Review"/>

== Educational apps and videos ==
The ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy curriculum can be accessed on tablets and smartphones using apps from [[iTunes]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com - Early Learning Academy on the App Store|url = https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abcmouse.com-early-learning/id586328581?mt=8|website = App Store|accessdate = 2015-10-30}}</ref> [[Google Play]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com - Android Apps on Google Play|url = https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.abcmouse.academy_goo&hl=en|website = play.google.com|accessdate = 2015-10-30}}</ref> and the [[Amazon Appstore]] for Android.<ref>{{Cite book|title = ABCmouse.com - Early Learning Academy|url = https://www.amazon.com/Age-of-Learning-Inc-ABCmouse-com/dp/B00IMQFIZ6}}</ref> Age of Learning also launched ABCmouse Language Arts Animations, ABCmouse Mastering Math, ABCmouse Mathematics Animations, ABCmouse Science Animations, ABCmouse Music Videos, and ABCmouse Zoo apps in the same app stores. These apps can be used online or offline and are available to ABCmouse members.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Age+of+Learning,+Inc.|title=Age of Learning, Inc. - Android Apps on Google Play|website=play.google.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/developer/age-of-learning-inc/id375219200|title=Age of Learning, Inc. Apps on the App Store|website=iTunes|language=en|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=bl_sr_mobile-apps?_encoding=UTF8&field-brandtextbin=Age%20of%20Learning,%20Inc.&node=2350149011|title=Amazon.com: Age of Learning, Inc.: Apps & Games|website=www.amazon.com|access-date=2017-09-25}}</ref>

Some Age of Learning apps, such as its [[Aesop's Fables|Aesop's Fables]] series<ref>{{cite web|title=Aesop’s Fables Series|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abcmouse-com-the-boy-who-cried/id375417512?mt=8ABCmouse.com|publisher=Age of Learning, Inc.}}</ref> Beginning Reader series,<ref>{{cite web|title=Beginning Reader Series: Big Bug and Little Bug|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abcmouse-com-big-bug-little/id375423515?mt=8|publisher=Age of Learning, Inc.}}</ref> have been discontinued and are instead available on the ABCmouse.com YouTube channel.<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy|url = https://www.youtube.com/user/ABCmouseOFFICIAL/|website = YouTube|accessdate = 2015-10-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Animated Fables and Beginning Readers - YouTube|url = https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlG8Y2sj2t1HnwvSIC71lT7WUHfoBNbtO|website = www.youtube.com|accessdate = 2015-10-30}}</ref>

== Awards ==
The ABCmouse.com website and apps have received the following awards: 2015 National Parenting Publications Awards Double Gold Winner,<ref>{{Cite web|title = NAPPAawards.com|url = http://www.nappaawards.com/#!ABCmousecom-Early-Learning-Academy-by-Age-of-Learning-Inc/cpt1/55fb49450cf2f0ed7a19a428|website = NAPPAawards.com|accessdate = 2015-10-30}}</ref> 2015 TabbyAwards Winner and Tabby Awards Users' Choice Winner,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Best Android and iPad tablet apps: 2015 Tabby Awards Winners|url = http://tabbyawards.com/winners/2015-best-tablet-apps-ipad-ios-android-winners-users-choice/|website = tabbyawards.com|accessdate = 2015-10-30}}</ref> The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval for Spring 2015,<ref>{{Cite web|title = ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy - The National Parenting Center|url = http://the-parenting-center.com/abcmouse-com-early-learning-academy/|website = The National Parenting Center|accessdate = 2015-10-30|language = en}}</ref> Tilliywig Brain Child Award Winner in 2013,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Tillywig Toy Awards - ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy|url = http://www.tillywig.com/Software-Electronics/ABCmouse-com-Early-Learning-Academy|website = www.tillywig.com|accessdate = 2015-10-30}}</ref> Winner of the 2011 [[Parents' Choice Award]]-Gold,<ref>{{cite web|last=Hensley|first=Jessica|title=Parents' Choice Awards: ABCmouse.com|url=http://www.parents-choice.org/product.cfm?product_id=28918&StepNum=1&award=aw|publisher=Parents' Choice}}</ref> the 2010 Children's Technology Review<ref>{{cite web|title=ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy|url=http://childrenstech.com/blog/archives/3017|publisher=Children's Technology Review}}</ref> Editor's Choice Award, and the [[Web Marketing Association]]'s 'Outstanding Achievement in Web Development' award in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Web Marketing Association: Best of Industry|url=http://www.webaward.org/winner.asp?eid=15839}}</ref>

ABCmouse for Schools received a Best of Show Award at the ISTE 2016 conference.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.techlearning.com/resources/0003/iste-2016-best-of-show-techlearning/70156|title=ISTE 2016 BEST OF SHOW TECH&LEARNING {{!}} Tech Learning|last=techlearning.com|first=Classroom Technology News {{!}} Educational Apps {{!}} Bloom's Taxonomy {{!}}|website=www.techlearning.com|access-date=2016-11-11}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External Reading ==
* [http://www.abcmouse.com/ Official Website]
* [http://www.ageoflearning.com/ Age of Learning, Inc.]

[[Category:Virtual learning environments]]
[[Category:Companies based in Glendale, California]]
[[Category:Children's websites]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2010]]
[[Category:2010 establishments in California]]
[[Category:American companies established in 2010]]
[[Category:English-language websites]]

Revision as of 21:57, 20 January 2019

ABCmouse.com
Type of site
Education
Available inEnglish
HeadquartersGlendale, California, U.S.
Area servedU.S. and Canada
IndustryEducation
ParentAge of Learning, Inc.
URLabcmouse.com
AdvertisingNo
LaunchedNovember 10, 2010 (2010-11-10)

ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy is a subscription-based digital education program for children ages 2–8, created by Age of Learning, Inc.[1][2] Subscribers can access learning activities on the ABCmouse.com website or mobile app for tablet or smartphone.[3] Subjects covered include reading and language arts, math, science, health, social studies, music, and art.[4][5]

ABCmouse.com is also made available at no cost to teachers,[6][7][8] Head Start programs,[9][10][11] public libraries,[12][13][14] public housing authorities, and other community organizations.[15][5][16]

As of 2016, ABCmouse for Teachers was used in more than 65,000 classrooms and ABCmouse for Libraries was available at one-third of U.S. public libraries,[17][18] including all branches in Los Angeles,[19] Chicago,[20] Houston, and Brooklyn.[21]

ABCmouse for Schools, a product designed for school districts or chains of schools, launched at the 2016 ISTE conference.[22]

In 2017, a two-year longitudinal study published in the Journal of Applied Research on Children concluded that the use of ABCmouse Early Learning Academy improved school readiness and accelerated students’ learning gains in math and literacy skills.[23]

Age of Learning, Inc.

ABCmouse.com is produced by Age of Learning, Inc., a privately owned education technology company.[24] The company was founded in 2007 by Doug Dohring and is headquartered in Glendale, CA.[25] Age of Learning launched ABCmouse.com in 2010 after three years of development, guided by a team of educators, and following testing by 10,000 families.[26]

Members of Age of Learning's Curriculum Board include 2006 National Teacher of the Year Award recipient Kimberly Oliver Burnim,[27][28] 2014 National Teachers Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Rebecca Palacios,[29][30] and Science Writing Award-winning writer Stephen M. Tomecek.[31] The board is overseen by two-time Peabody Award-winner Dave Hendry.[32][33]

In 2014, at the White House Summit on Early Education, Age of Learning pledged to the Invest In Us campaign to provide services valued at more than $10 million to preschool, pre-k, and Head Start classrooms over two years.[34][35] In 2015, the company partnered with another White House initiative, ConnectHome, to make ABCmouse.com for free to families living in public housing in 27 cities and one tribal nation, serving up to 65,000 children.[36][5] In 2016, it was reported that Age of Learning raised $150 million from Iconiq Capital, giving the company a $1 billion valuation.[37][38] Age of Learning also launched ABCmouse for Schools in 2016;[39][18] the enterprise-level solution won an ISTE Best of Show Award at the annual edtech conference.[40]

Content and structure

ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy content currently consists of more than 8,500 learning activities and 850 lessons.[5] The preschool through second grade curriculum is laid out in a sequence called the “Step by Step Learning Path.”[41] Parents can register up to three children and set each one at his or her own level based on age and ability.[42] Children can also use any of the content outside of the set learning path. Activities include videos, coloring activities, learning games, poems, puzzles and songs that cover reading and writing, math, art, music, social studies, science, and health.[43] There are also more than 800 digital books, including over 100 Stepped Readers.[44] The same content is available whether children log on using their computer or mobile device (iOS, Android, Kindle).[45][46]

To some, the amount of content “seems almost endless” but can be “almost overwhelming,” suggesting kids will “likely need help navigating the site.”[47] Others have judged it “easy enough for even the youngest computer users”[46][48] and “well designed for children to use” with an “interface that is intuitive for them.”[49][50][41]

Children navigate the site with the aid of “voice-overs, images, and text,” but younger kids may need help.[51] Children earn tickets each time they complete a learning activity, which they can use to shop at virtual stores to decorate their room or “buy” things for their pets.[52][53]

The ABCmouse.com rewards system is one of its more polarizing features. A review on Common Sense Media said that rewarding learning with shopping may be “teaching a potentially unintended message.”[51] Others have expressed that this motivation[52] encourages completion of activities, understanding of responsibility, and “budgeting and prioritizing.”[51]

Educational apps and videos

The ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy curriculum can be accessed on tablets and smartphones using apps from iTunes,[54] Google Play,[55] and the Amazon Appstore for Android.[56] Age of Learning also launched ABCmouse Language Arts Animations, ABCmouse Mastering Math, ABCmouse Mathematics Animations, ABCmouse Science Animations, ABCmouse Music Videos, and ABCmouse Zoo apps in the same app stores. These apps can be used online or offline and are available to ABCmouse members.[57][58][59]

Some Age of Learning apps, such as its Aesop's Fables series[60] Beginning Reader series,[61] have been discontinued and are instead available on the ABCmouse.com YouTube channel.[62][63]

Awards

The ABCmouse.com website and apps have received the following awards: 2015 National Parenting Publications Awards Double Gold Winner,[64] 2015 TabbyAwards Winner and Tabby Awards Users' Choice Winner,[65] The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval for Spring 2015,[66] Tilliywig Brain Child Award Winner in 2013,[67] Winner of the 2011 Parents' Choice Award-Gold,[68] the 2010 Children's Technology Review[69] Editor's Choice Award, and the Web Marketing Association's 'Outstanding Achievement in Web Development' award in 2010.[70]

ABCmouse for Schools received a Best of Show Award at the ISTE 2016 conference.[71]

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External Reading