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| Paradox Learning Systems, Inc.
Since its inception in 1997, Paradox Learning Systems, Inc. has been
true to its own name. Though starting small, it has grown exponentially
and has moved from the Tampa, Florida marketplace to business endeavors
across the United States. Paradox is an instructional design firm that
focuses on the development of educational products combining academic
content with entertainment. Its motto, "Entertaining ideas about education"
is infused in all products and services. Paradox was started by University
of South Florida professors and best friends, Stephanie VanDeventer and
Jackie Booth. Booth and VanDeventer's research interests centered around
the educational aspects
of entertainment, specifically cartoons and videogames.
As their academic careers progressed, each having been at the University for
over ten years, they discovered the common paths of their research and decided
to leave academia to found a company based on their belief that learning could
also be fun. Given that they were two doctors of education, "Paradox" (Pair o' docs)
was born.
The company has produced a wide range of educational products including a series
of tobacco-related programs aimed at grades pre-k through high school.
These award-winning curricula, videos, games, and websites have been
embraced by over half a million teachers, students, and parents nationwide.
The company also markets products dealing with patriotism, crime, and teen issues.
In addition, Paradox produces programs for adults on issues such as gambling
addiction and at-risk parenting. The company's products are designed for formal
educational systems as well as community-based organizations. Given their
instructional design backgrounds and their strong tie to teachers, VanDeventer
and Booth firmly believe in testing and evaluation of their programs to see how
they work in the real classroom environment. All Paradox products are rigorously
researched during the formative and developmental stages as well as in the field
after they are launched.
Most products are purchased by school districts, district departments of health,
or entire State Departments of Health or Education. The company is firmly
committed to the belief that social problems such as smoking and crime must
be dealt with by the individual, the family, and the community working together.
The ability of the student to make good decisions is a key to developing healthy
habits for a lifetime, and all Paradox products incorporate a decision-making model
into their design. Products are carefully created to move the learner along a path
where he or she learns about a topic and at the same time gets regular opportunities
to practice what has been learned. This skillful layering of knowledge with
application, combined with high interest, entertainment, and research are the
hallmarks of Paradox products and set them apart from the field.
Paradox Learning Systems, Inc. is known for its high product quality and
its outstanding service after the sale. A contract with this company means
the building of a relationship with purchasers, teachers, administrators, and
students. Nothing offered by Paradox is ordinary, and their plans for the future
include the growth of existing markets as well as the development of new products
that will touch an audience outside of traditional education.
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