The Learning Company
Encyclopedia
The Learning Company is an American
educational software
company, founded in 1980. It produced a grade-based system similar to Knowledge Adventure
's JumpStart
series. The products for preschoolers through second graders feature Reader Rabbit
, and software for more advanced students features The ClueFinders
. The company also purchased the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium. The company has corporate offices in San Francisco and Cedar Rapids, Iowa
.
The original The Learning Company was founded by Ann McCormick, Leslie Grimm, and Teri Perl, three educators who saw the Apple II as an opportunity to enhance the ability to teach young children concepts of math, reading and science, along with Warren Robinett, fresh from a stint at Atari. Part of the original funding for the company came from a National Science Foundation grant. Additional funding was provided by Jack Melchor, and Melchor Venture Partners, among others. The Learning Company first went public on April 28, 1992 - Morgan Stanley and Robertson, Stephens & Co. served as the lead underwriters. In 1995 TLC became the target of larger software firms interested in purchasing it. In that year a "bidding war" took place between Brøderbund
and SoftKey
, with the latter eventually acquiring TLC for $606 million in cash. SoftKey took up The Learning Company's name and continued acquiring other software companies including Mindscape, Inc.
in March 1998 for $150 million and, ironically, former rival Brøderbund in June of the same year for $416 million. Mattel
purchased the company in 1999 for $3.8 billion from the Canadian Entrepreneur Kevin O'Leary
, renaming it "Mattel Interactive", in what has been called one of the worst acquisitions in corporate history. Mattel sold Learning Co. to Gores Technology Group, receiving $27.3 million for the unit. TLC, along with Brøderbund
, is now a subsidiary of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; however, some of the acquired entertainment holdings were sold to Ubisoft
.
Reader Rabbit
Carmen Sandiego
Reference: The Gizmos & Gadgets! user's guide back outside cover
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
educational software
Educational software
Educational software is computer software, the primary purpose of which is teaching or self-learning.-Early History, 1940s - 1970s:The use of computer hardware and software in education and training dates to the early 1940s, when American researchers developed flight simulators which used analog...
company, founded in 1980. It produced a grade-based system similar to Knowledge Adventure
Knowledge Adventure
Knowledge Adventure, Inc. is a maker of educational software including the Adiboo and JumpStart series of grade-based and subject-based titles, such as My First Encyclopedia. It was established in the late 1980s in Los Angeles, then later merged with another large education software firm, Davidson...
's JumpStart
JumpStart
JumpStart is an educational media franchise for children, consisting mostly of educational games, produced by Knowledge Adventure. The series is distributed as Jump Ahead in the United Kingdom...
series. The products for preschoolers through second graders feature Reader Rabbit
Reader Rabbit
Reader Rabbit is an edutainment software franchise created in 1986 by The Learning Company. This series currently makes up the greater part of a franchise of grade-based and subject-based titles, where the games for infancy through second grade feature Reader Rabbit...
, and software for more advanced students features The ClueFinders
The ClueFinders
The ClueFinders is a series of edutainment software aimed at children aged eight to twelve. The series is produced by The Learning Company as a counterpart to their Reader Rabbit series for older elementary-aged students....
. The company also purchased the Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium. The company has corporate offices in San Francisco and Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in Iowa and is the county seat of Linn County. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River, north of Iowa City and east of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city...
.
The original The Learning Company was founded by Ann McCormick, Leslie Grimm, and Teri Perl, three educators who saw the Apple II as an opportunity to enhance the ability to teach young children concepts of math, reading and science, along with Warren Robinett, fresh from a stint at Atari. Part of the original funding for the company came from a National Science Foundation grant. Additional funding was provided by Jack Melchor, and Melchor Venture Partners, among others. The Learning Company first went public on April 28, 1992 - Morgan Stanley and Robertson, Stephens & Co. served as the lead underwriters. In 1995 TLC became the target of larger software firms interested in purchasing it. In that year a "bidding war" took place between Brøderbund
Brøderbund
Brøderbund Software, Inc. was an American maker of computer games, educational software and The Print Shop productivity tools. It was best known as the original creator and publisher of the popular Carmen Sandiego games. The company was founded in Eugene, Oregon, but moved to San Rafael,...
and SoftKey
SoftKey
SoftKey International was a publisher and distributor of CD-ROM based personal computer software for Windows and Macintosh computers during the 1990s. Their products typically consisted of software intended for home audiences, especially compilation discs containing various freeware or shareware...
, with the latter eventually acquiring TLC for $606 million in cash. SoftKey took up The Learning Company's name and continued acquiring other software companies including Mindscape, Inc.
Mindscape Group
Mindscape is an international software publishing company, previously part of The Learning Company. They are now affiliated with EA . As of 2004, the group has offices in Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. It has an annual turnover of €38 million and employs 150 people. Mindscape...
in March 1998 for $150 million and, ironically, former rival Brøderbund in June of the same year for $416 million. Mattel
Mattel
Mattel, Inc. is the world's largest toy company based on revenue. The products it produces include Fisher Price, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. The company's name is derived from...
purchased the company in 1999 for $3.8 billion from the Canadian Entrepreneur Kevin O'Leary
Kevin O'Leary (entrepreneur)
Kevin O'Leary is a Canadian entrepreneur, venture capitalist, investor, and television personality.-Early life and education:O'Leary was born in Mount Royal, Quebec, a suburb of Montreal, to a salesman father and seamstress mother....
, renaming it "Mattel Interactive", in what has been called one of the worst acquisitions in corporate history. Mattel sold Learning Co. to Gores Technology Group, receiving $27.3 million for the unit. TLC, along with Brøderbund
Brøderbund
Brøderbund Software, Inc. was an American maker of computer games, educational software and The Print Shop productivity tools. It was best known as the original creator and publisher of the popular Carmen Sandiego games. The company was founded in Eugene, Oregon, but moved to San Rafael,...
, is now a subsidiary of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; however, some of the acquired entertainment holdings were sold to Ubisoft
Ubisoft
Ubisoft Entertainment S.A. is a major French video game publisher and developer, with headquarters in Montreuil, France. The company has a worldwide presence with 25 studios in 17 countries and subsidiaries in 26 countries....
.
Software
Reader RabbitReader RabbitReader Rabbit is an edutainment software franchise created in 1986 by The Learning Company. This series currently makes up the greater part of a franchise of grade-based and subject-based titles, where the games for infancy through second grade feature Reader Rabbit...
/ClueFindersThe ClueFindersThe ClueFinders is a series of edutainment software aimed at children aged eight to twelve. The series is produced by The Learning Company as a counterpart to their Reader Rabbit series for older elementary-aged students....
series
- Grade-based titles
- Reader Rabbit Baby
- Reader Rabbit Toddler
- Reader Rabbit Preschool
- Reader Rabbit Preschool: Sparkle Star RescueReader Rabbit Preschool: Sparkle Star RescueReader Rabbit Preschool: Sparkle Star Rescue is a game in the Reader Rabbit series. It is the first game in the series which includes a young Reader Rabbit and Sam the Lion...
- Reader Rabbit Kindergarten
- Reader Rabbit 1st Grade
- Reader Rabbit 2nd Grade (now sold as Reader Rabbit 2nd Grade: Classic)
- Reader Rabbit 2nd Grade: Mis-cheese-ious Dreamship Adventures
- The ClueFinders 3rd Grade Adventures
- The ClueFinders 4th Grade Adventures
- The ClueFinders 5th Grade Adventures
- The ClueFinders 6th Grade Adventures
- Other titles
- Reader Rabbit 1
- Reader Rabbit 2
- Reader Rabbit 3
- Reader Rabbit's Reading Journey
- Math Rabbit (Later changed to Reader Rabbit Math)
- The ClueFinders Math AdventuresThe ClueFinders Math AdventuresThe ClueFinders Math Adventures Ages 9-12: Mystery in the Himalayas is a computer game in The Learning Company's ClueFinders Series, where the ClueFinders try to recover stolen treasures in a small Himalayan village.-Voice cast:...
- The ClueFinders Reading AdventuresThe ClueFinders Reading AdventuresThe ClueFinders Reading Adventures: Mystery of the Missing Amulet is a computer game designed for ages 9–12 in The Learning Company's The ClueFinders series, where the ClueFinders embark on an adventure in an alien world to save the planet Millenia from the evil sorceress Malicia...
- The ClueFinders Search and Solve AdventuresThe ClueFinders Search and Solve AdventuresThe ClueFinders Search and Solve Adventures is an educational computer game in The Learning Company's ClueFinders series that focuses on critical thinking skills...
- The ClueFinders: The Incredible Toy Store Adventure!The ClueFinders: The Incredible Toy Store Adventure!The ClueFinders: The Incredible Toy Store Adventure is a personal computer game in The Learning Company's ClueFinders series of educational software. In the game, the ClueFinders are trapped in a toy store after hours and Joni, Owen, and LapTrap have mysteriously shrunk to three inches tall...
- The ClueFinders: Mystery Mansion ArcadeThe ClueFinders: Mystery Mansion ArcadeThe ClueFinders: Mystery Mansion Arcade is a personal computer game in The Learning Company's ClueFinders series, where the ClueFinders are trapped by their enemies from other ClueFinders games...
- Caillou Magic Playhouse
- SpongeBob SquarePants Typing
- Some PBS KidsPBS KidsPBS Kids is the brand for children's programming aired by the Public Broadcasting Service in the United States founded in 1993. As with all PBS programming, PBS Kids programming is non-commercial. It is aimed at children ages 2 to 10...
games
Zoombinis
- Zoombinis: Logical Journey
- Zoombinis: Mountain Rescue
- Zoombinis: Island Odyssey
Super Solvers series
- Challenge of the Ancient Empires! (or Ancient Empires)
- Spellbound!Spellbound!Spellbound! was a computer game made by The Learning Company. The original game is compatible with computers running DOS 3.3 or higher and a later CD release added Windows 95 and Macintosh compatibility.-Gameplay:...
(Later re-released as 'Leap Ahead! Spelling') - Mission: T.H.I.N.K.Mission: T.H.I.N.K.Mission T.H.I.N.K. is the latest addition to the Super Solvers series created by The Learning Company. Morty Maxwell tries to take over the Shady Glen Game Factory with help of the Metal Minions...
- Gizmos & Gadgets!
- Midnight Rescue!Midnight Rescue!-Super Solvers series:The Super Solvers series is a series of computer games released by The Learning Company that contain both educational and entertainment qualities. Midnight Rescue! is the first program of the series to be released...
(Later re-released as 'Super Solvers Reading' and then 'Leap Ahead! 3rd Grade') - OutNumbered!OutNumbered!OutNumbered! is an educational computer game published by The Learning Company in 1990 for both Windows and Macintosh PCs. It is aimed at children ages seven to fourteen and is designed to teach children mathematical computation and problem solving skills....
(Later re-released as 'Leap Ahead! 3rd Grade')
Treasure/Super Seekers series
- Treasure Mountain!Treasure Mountain!Treasure Mountain! is an educational computer game published by The Learning Company in 1990 for both Windows and Macintosh PCs. It is aimed at children ages 5 to 9 and is intended to teach children reading, basic math, and logic skills...
- Treasure Mathstorm!Treasure Mathstorm!Treasure Mathstorm! is an educational computer game intended to teach children ages five to nine mathematical problem solving. The sequel to Treasure Mountain! is the 6th installment of The Learning Company's Super Solvers series and the second in the Super Seekers spin-off series.The objective of...
- Treasure Cove!Treasure Cove!Treasure Cove! is an educational computer game published by The Learning Company in 1992 for DOS, Windows and Macintosh PCs. It is aimed at children ages 5 to 9 and is intended to teach children reading, math, and oceanography...
- Treasure Galaxy!Treasure Galaxy!Treasure Galaxy! is an educational computer game published by The Learning Company in 1994 for both Windows and Macintosh PCs. It is aimed at children ages 5 to 9 and is intended to teach children reading, basic math, and logic skills...
Carmen SandiegoCarmen SandiegoCarmen Sandiego is a media franchise of educational computer and video games, television programs, books and other media featuring a thieving villain of the same name. The basic premise of the franchise lets the user or protagonists become agents of the ACME Detective Agency, who attempts to thwart...
series
- Carmen Sandiego's ThinkQuick Challenge
- Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? Treasures of Knowledge
- Note: When The Learning Company purchased Brøderbund Software, they gained the rights to the Carmen Sandiego series. Only the Carmen Sandiego games created by The Learning Company are included here. Note that some original Brøderbund games are now sold under The Learning Company name.
Other games
- Real World series
- Time Riders in American History
- Operation NeptuneOperation Neptune (game)Operation Neptune is an educational computer game produced in 1991 by The Learning Company. The goal of the game is to guide a small submarine through a variety of undersea caverns, collecting pieces of a ruined space capsule. Like other games by The Learning Company, Operation Neptune is...
(briefly added to the Super Solvers series) - Math For The Real World
- Adventure/puzzle games
- Gertrude's SecretsGertrude's secretsGertrude's Secrets is a 1984 children's computer game by The Learning Company. The goal of the game is to solve puzzles and find secrets....
- Gertrude's Puzzles
- Robot OdysseyRobot OdysseyRobot Odyssey is an adventure game, published by The Learning Company in 1984. It was released for the Apple II, TRS-80 Color Computer, and DOS.-Story:...
- Rocky's BootsRocky's BootsRocky's Boots is an educational logic puzzle game by Warren Robinett and Leslie Grimm, published by The Learning Company in 1982. It was released for the Apple II, the CoCo, the Commodore 64 and the IBM PC. It was followed by a more difficult sequel, Robot Odyssey...
- Think Quick!
- Logic Quest 3DLogic Quest 3DLogic Quest 3D is a computer game published in 1997 by The Learning Company, now owed by Riverdeep. It is recommended for ages 8 to 14. The intended purpose of this educational computer game is to build thinking and problem solving skills....
- Road Adventures USA
- Gertrude's Secrets
- Trail games
- Oregon Trail
- Amazon TrailThe Amazon TrailThe Amazon Trail is an educational computer game created by MECC. It was inspired by the popularity of The Oregon Trail, featuring the areas surrounding the Amazon River and some of its tributaries. In this 2-D adventure, the player is asked to set out on a journey down the Amazon, hoping to make...
- Yukon Trail
- Tools and other programs
- All-Star Typing
- Read, Write, and Type
- MetroGnomes' Music
- The Children's Writing & Publishing Center
- The Writing Center
- Student Writing Center
- Other early educational programs
- Magic Spells
- Bumble Games
- Bumble Plot
- Moptown Hotel
- Moptown Parade
- Wordspinner
- Juggles' Rainbow
- Juggles' House
Reference: The Gizmos & Gadgets! user's guide back outside cover
Continuity within game universes
While it may not seem like it at first, many of the series of games do, indeed, involve each other in subtle ways that the developers may just want to sneak in, or otherwise. The ClueFinders games, although part of the same product line, appear to be set in their own universe.Locations
The primary locations of the Reader Rabbit series are in Wordville. On the Wordville map in the front of the Reader Rabbit 3 User's Guide, Treasure Mountain can be seen. This seems to suggest that the two worlds are located relatively close to one another. Another location is Shady Glen, at which all the Super Solver games take place.Crossovers
- One of the prizes in Math Rabbit as well as in Treasure Cove!Treasure Cove!Treasure Cove! is an educational computer game published by The Learning Company in 1992 for DOS, Windows and Macintosh PCs. It is aimed at children ages 5 to 9 and is intended to teach children reading, math, and oceanography...
is the Neptune, the submarine used in Operation Neptune. - One of the data logs found in Operation Neptune contains a reference to Ancient Empires as one of the ways the scientists on the space exploration journey like to pass the time.
- The map shown on the Reader Rabbit's user manual depicts Treasure MountainTreasure Mountain!Treasure Mountain! is an educational computer game published by The Learning Company in 1990 for both Windows and Macintosh PCs. It is aimed at children ages 5 to 9 and is intended to teach children reading, basic math, and logic skills...
.
External links
- The Learning Company at MobyGamesMobyGames-Platforms not yet included:- Further reading :* Rusel DeMaria, Johnny L. Wilson, High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games, McGraw-Hill/Osborne Media; 2 edition , ISBN 0-07-223172-6...