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BrainPOP

By kgill on June 5, 2014

Venture name: BrainPOP (www.brainpop.com)
Founder-leader name: Dr. Avraham Kadar
Title: Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Description of venture:
BrainPOP is a group of online websites that produce educational videos for students in grades K-12 (Wikipedia, 2014). The curriculum-based content allows users to access videos, quizzes, games and other resources, in the subjects of: science, social studies, English, math, engineering and tech, health and arts and music (BrainPOP, 2014). This online subscription site is utilized in more than 20% of U.S. schools and is growing internationally (BrainPOP, 2014).

Background of CEO/Founder:
Dr. Avraham Kadar created BrainPOP in 1999 when he was trying to explain the concept of asthma and allergies to his young patients (BrainPOP, 2014). His inspiration came from his late wife, Naomi, who was an educator (The Naomi Foundation). Now, BrainPOP is used to educate children on a variety of topics and carries on the values that Avraham and his wife are passionate about.

Team:
The Vice Presidents of BrainPOP are the children of Dr. Avraham Kadar (The Naomi Foundation). They all come from a variety of backgrounds and are responsible for different aspects of the company (BrainPOP ESL, operations management) (The Naomi Foundation). There is also an advisor and managing director.

My thoughts:
I think its inspiring how Kadar’s idea blossomed into a successful business and brand. I find it heart-warming how the family is working together to carry on their family values and Naomi’s passions. I have used BrainPOP and like my students, I love it!

References:
BrainPOP (2014). Retrieved from http://www.brainpop.com/
Dr. Avraham Kadar [photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.pinterest.com/pin/71846556525264642/
The Naomi Foundation. Who We Are. Retrieved from http://naomi.org/who-we-are/
Wikipedia (2014). BrainPOP. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BrainPop

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2 Oct Posted on BrainPOP

I agree with my colleagues that the subscription fee business model limits access for students and families. My own family used to use BrainPOP but dropped the subscription because we were no longer using it frequently enough to justify the fee and the resources were available elsewhere as my children got older. That being said, the product is well done and generates significant revenue and Dr. Kadar is an inspiration showing that you do not have to have a background in either education or technology to identify a need and propose a solution. I agree with my colleagues that the launch has been extremely successful but may lose momentum without additional value added products.

2 Oct
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etower @etower

I agree with my colleagues that the subscription fee business model limits access for students and families. My own family used to use BrainPOP but dropped the subscription because we were no longer using it frequently enough to justify the fee and the resources were available elsewhere as my children got older. That being said, the product is well done and generates significant revenue and Dr. Kadar is an inspiration showing that you do not have to have a background in either education or technology to identify a need and propose a solution. I agree with my colleagues that the launch has been extremely successful but may lose momentum without additional value added products.

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28 Sep Posted on BrainPOP

BrainPOP is a very good resources for teachers and students to have access to a variety of information. Dr. Kadar family business is inspirational for other families trying to achieve success. However, BrainPOP does not allow access to all learners, as it requires a fee. Educational Technology should connect learners globally, not just the elite learners that can afford the program.

28 Sep
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sarahparker @sarahparker

BrainPOP is a very good resources for teachers and students to have access to a variety of information. Dr. Kadar family business is inspirational for other families trying to achieve success. However, BrainPOP does not allow access to all learners, as it requires a fee. Educational Technology should connect learners globally, not just the elite learners that can afford the program.

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8 Jun Posted on BrainPOP

I agree that it's inspiring how Kadar's idea grew into a successful business. Kadar and his wife's passion about education is the driving force behind the company. However, while a family business allows certain values and traditions to be carried on, it is also important to step out of the family realm and work with people who have different ideas and inspirations . If the company requires subscription fees from users, then there must be a continuous improvement in their services in order for the company to experience an even greater success.

8 Jun
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ttseng @ttseng

I agree that it's inspiring how Kadar's idea grew into a successful business. Kadar and his wife's passion about education is the driving force behind the company. However, while a family business allows certain values and traditions to be carried on, it is also important to step out of the family realm and work with people who have different ideas and inspirations . If the company requires subscription fees from users, then there must be a continuous improvement in their services in order for the company to experience an even greater success.

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7 Jun Posted on BrainPOP

Very true, the subscription fees limit the availability for families and schools (possibly inner city schools on a tight budget).

7 Jun
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kgill @kuljinder

Very true, the subscription fees limit the availability for families and schools (possibly inner city schools on a tight budget).

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5 Jun Posted on BrainPOP

I also use BrainPOP with my students as it covers important concepts in core curriculum subject areas through short on-line movies, quizzes, and other activities. Everything is organized according to subject area and most importantly topics like bullying and drug awareness are also addressed very effectively. One thing which I don’t like about this site is that it require a monthly or annual subscription fees which can be difficult for some families.

5 Jun
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mehdia73 @mehdia73

I also use BrainPOP with my students as it covers important concepts in core curriculum subject areas through short on-line movies, quizzes, and other activities. Everything is organized according to subject area and most importantly topics like bullying and drug awareness are also addressed very effectively. One thing which I don’t like about this site is that it require a monthly or annual subscription fees which can be difficult for some families.

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