EdAlive is an Australian-owned educational publisher that develops online learning systems for schools and homes worldwide. The company was established by Graham East in 1987, during the early adoption of educational computing in South Australian schools. Initially known as New Horizons Educational Computing Services, the company provided support and sourced educational software for schools until 2003. Throughout its operation, New Horizons undertook several publishing projects, including the creation of Maths Work Sheet Generators, The Down Under Collection, Graphics Explosion, and Australian Classic Clip Art. As the largest reseller of educational software to Australian schools from 1987 to 2010, New Horizons played a significant role in promoting educational computing.Â
In 2000, New Horizons Educational Computing Services merged with Erinzan Pty Ltd, operating as a partnership. Subsequently, in 2003 (Australia) and 2005 (USA), the name EdAlive was registered as a trademark by Erinzan Pty Ltd. The company launched its website, www.edalive.com, in 2003. EdAlive expanded its reach as a leading Australian CD-based publisher of educational software, offering 80 CD-based titles used in over 20,000 schools globally. These titles received acclaim, winning over 60 major awards and endorsements. Additionally, EdAlive shipped over 1,000,000 CDs to families for home use, further extending its impact on educational learning.Â
Embracing technological advancements, EdAlive transitioned to online learning in recent years. In 2011, the company introduced ZooWhiz (www.zoowhiz.com), an online learning system based on its previous CD-based products. ZooWhiz incorporated over 17,000 interactive learning activities covering math, language skills, and reading for children aged 4 to 15. The program featured a motivational zoo-themed environment and allowed for personalized learning paths aligned with various curricula. However, due to changes in technology, ZooWhiz, built using Flash-based technology, was decommissioned in February 2021.Â
To adapt to the evolving educational landscape, EdAlive launched several online learning platforms. Typing Tournament (http://www.typingtournament.com), introduced in 2016, is an online typing tutor for students aged 5 to 15. Based on the CD version of the same name, Typing Tournament offers enhanced features and provides parent, teacher, and school accounts. The platform also includes comprehensive class and school management capabilities through the related site central.edalive.com.Â
In 2018, EdAlive released Maths Invaders (http://www.mathsinvaders.com), an online program designed to improve math fact fluency and quick recall of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts for students aged 5 to 15. Built on the CD version of the same name, Maths Invaders incorporates adaptive learning and multiplayer games. Like other platforms, it offers parent, teacher, and school accounts, along with comprehensive class and school management capabilities through central.edalive.com.Â
Words Rock (http://www.wordsrock.com.au), launched in 2020, focuses on pre-literacy, spelling, grammar, and punctuation for students aged 5 to 15. Like other EdAlive products, Words Rock is based on its CD counterpart but includes adaptive learning and multiplayer games. Parent, teacher, and school accounts are available, with extensive class and school management features accessible through central.edalive.com.Â
Another platform introduced in 2020 is Baggin’ the Dragon Maths (http://www.bagginthedragon.com), which covers various mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, percentages, ratio & proportion, numeration, shape, space, measurement, geometry, data, statistics, graphs, probability, patterns, and algebra. Built on the CD version, Baggin’ the Dragon Maths incorporates adaptive learning and multiplayer games, providing a comprehensive learning experience for students aged 5 to 15. Parent, teacher, and school accounts are available, and class and school management capabilities can be accessed through central.edalive.com.Â
Lastly, Volcanic Panic Reading Success (http://www.volcanicpanic.com.au) was introduced in 2020, focusing on reading skills. It covers phonics, phonemics, sight words, advanced vocabulary, comprehension, and literary appreciation for students aged 5 to 15. Similar to other EdAlive platforms, Volcanic Panic Reading Success is built on the CD version of the same name, incorporating enhancements like adaptive learning and multiplayer games. Parent, teacher, and school accounts are available, with comprehensive class and school management capabilities accessible through central.edalive.com.Â