Avraham Kadar: the Brains behind BrainPOP
Avraham Kadar, M.D.,
Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of FWD Media
(Seltzer, 2007)
The Venture:
BrainPOP (http://www.brainpop.com) is an online subscription site owned by FWD Media that produces short curricular-based animations (Wikipedia, 2011). Geared toward grades K-12, these movies, hosted by characters, Tim and Moby, span seven subjects: Science, Math, English, Social Studies, Health, Arts and Music and Technology. Each movie is supplemented by features such as printable quizzes, do-it-yourself experiments, cartoons, timeline of related events, and a Q&A forum. They can be used to introduce new lessons or topics or to illustrate complex themes as review before a test. The flash content runs in a browser and is fully compatible with interactive whiteboards, learner response systems, projectors, Macs, and PCs, requiring no special hardware or software (Brainpop, 2011).
The Team:
Biography:
Born in Rishon LeZion, Israel, Dr. Kadar has parlayed a life-long passion for science into two successful self-directed careers: first as a an immunologist and pediatrician, and then as an entrepreneur (The Naomi Prawer Kadar Foundation Inc., 2010). BrainPOP developed from his desire to explain medical concepts to his young patients using animation and a simple storytelling method of illustrating complex subject matter to pupils, similar to his own family conversations (Wikipedia, 2011). Dr. Kadar sees Brainpop as a prerequisite for deeper learning of “hard subjects” in a non-condescending, yet accessible manner; as an antidote to the “digital attention deficit” that some digital technologies and videos may promote by their superficial treatment of content (Seltzer, 2007).
Staffing:
FWD Media is a family affair, with two of this children holding Vice President positions (The Naomi Prawer Kadar Foundation Inc., 2010). The rest of the in-house team of educators, animators, and writers come from a variety of backgrounds, linked by training in and a commitment to education. The BrainPOP sites incorporate teacher and parent input, and their content is reviewed by a voluntary Advisory Board of over 22 advisers specializing in a variety of curricular areas, including technology & special education (Brainpop Jr., 2011). This staffing commitment to Research and Development exceeds the average for a company of this size (46% vs 30%) , while those performing administrative duties is lower than average (38% vs 53%)(LinkedIn, 2011).
Am I Inspired?
I am a firm believer in “know thyself”, and while I hold a number of qualities shared by successful entrepreneurs as described by Marshall (2010), I think I lack key characteristics to make the leap, this being reinforced by my Entrepreneur Self-Assessment results. On the plus side, similar to Dr. Kadar, I consider myself disciplined and self accountable, with a passion for teaching science, and a willingness to keep learning new skills. On the other hand, I don’t know if I have the confidence to lead a team to complete a common goal, or take a risk on new opportunities. I also believe in having a balanced lifestyle, and at this point in my life, I am not willing to commit the personal time it would most likely take to get a new venture off the ground. Heck! I can barely handle the commitment to one MET course! 😉
References
Brainpop. (2011). About Us. Retrieved from http://www.brainpop.com/about
Brainpop Jr. (2011). Bios. Retrieved from http://www.brainpopjr.com/support/bios/
LinkedIn. (2011). BrainPOP. Retrieved from http://www.linkedin.com/company/brainpop
Marshall, John. (2010). Entrepreneurs Characteristics. Retrieved from http://whoisjohnmarshall.com/entrepreneurs-characteristics
Seltzer, Sarah. (2007, May ). “‘Pop’ Movies that Educate”. New York Family. Retrieved from http://www.brainpop.com/support/images/article_nyfamily_200705.pdf
The Naomi Prawer Kadar Foundation Inc. (2010). Who We Are. Retrieved from http://www.naomi.org/who_we_are.html
Wikipedia. (2011). BrainPOP. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BrainPOP
Posted in: Week 04: Entrepreneur Bootcamp
Deb Giesbrecht 5:13 pm on September 26, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Excellent post Karen!
I agree – I find myself more or less self-disciplined ( depending on who you talk to) but seriously lack the skill in starting a new venture. I can hardly lead a team of 8 down the path of clinical informatics supported by the provincial government, never mind finding funding, running with a new concept and crossing my fingers and hoping the money comes in. I am not an ‘out on the limb’ kinda girl. I like my life predictable and know my monthly finances. I will leave the creativity and knuckle bearing rides for others!
Karen Jones 1:17 pm on September 27, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Ha! I’m sure your ability to get things done is exemplary, Deb. There is a place in the world for us methodical types 🙂
andrea 9:22 pm on September 26, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Karen, the genesis of this venture is really interesting — the way you described it it’s easy to see how the idea came about.
Regarding whether or not you’re suited to starting your own venture, my self-assessment results also suggested ventures aren’t a good fit for me. I think that’s why it’s interesting to try out ideas in the safety of this course. I’m unlikely to start my own venture but it’s good to push beyond my comfort zone and look at other ways of doing things.
kstooshnov 10:37 pm on September 29, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the report on the excellent resource. BrainPOP features on important detail that is missing from the Khan Academy: attention to well-designed animation to appeal to most students’ taste. The Tim and Moby show is fun and challenging enough (woo hoo! I got 10/10 on the Shakespeare quiz ;-)) and as you mention, designed to inspire deeper learning. For your own inspiration as a venturer, if you have a good idea, others will find you. Like our own students, we all have excellent ideas that just need to found and nurtured by others. Like Andrea says, this course is a ideal, safe environment to get our ideas known to other.
mcquaid 5:08 am on October 1, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
First of all, let me just say that… you stole my topic idea! 😉
Now that that’s out of the way…
Excellent, well-researched post. I found it very interesting how Kadar initially set out to just explain things to his patients… he wasn’t out to create some site or money-making content. He was looking to enhance some aspect of his own job.
My only unique warning flag with Kadar, really, is the fact that his family is involved. His family may be totally qualified and capable, but sometimes work and family just don’t mix.
Like you, I’m missing some entrepreneur qualities. I took the quiz, and found myself to be below the grade in every area but ability, I think. I’d like to think we’re both just waiting for the right opportunity to make itself appear before we pounce…
Karen Jones 12:17 pm on October 1, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Ha Steve! I am surprised at the number of classmates who were attracted to BrainPOP as a topic, but then again, I shouldn’t be, given its universal appeal! What good ideas you have! I have exactly the same approach to entrepreneurship as you do, if the ideal situation presents itself, it will be impossible to ignore.
Thanks for your comments,
KJ