numedeon, inc.
Virtual Communities Powered by NICE
We dream, explore, create and craft
virtual environments for learning
 Whyville |  Raven Island |  JPL Virtual Field Trip |
|---|---|---|
 HumanaVille |  PlayMath |  UTHSCSA Virtual |
 N.I.C.E. |  Virtual Worlds IP |
Projects
Numedeon technology supports learning environments for all ages
Who We Are
Numedeon, Inc. was founded by researchers and technologists at the California Institute of Technology to explore and invent how simulation games and internet technology can be used to enhance learning.
In 1999, Numedeon launched Whyville.net, the internet's first social environment for children. Whyville engages children ages 8 to 15 in games and activities that are open-ended, collaborative and promote "learning by doing." Since then, more than 7.5 million children worldwide have come to Whyville to learn, play, explore and participate as citizens of the virtual town. They solve math puzzles, protect coral reefs, program robots, start businesses, write for the Whyville Times and much more. The richness of the virtual world fosters creativity, initiative, critical thinking and entrepreneurial spirit all within a safe, monitored environment.
Through developing Whyville, Numedeon has created the Numedeon Interactive Community Engine (NICE), a software platform for supporting virtual communities and environments. Using NICE, Numedeon has created virtual worlds and environments for NASA, Humana, and the University of Texas.
How We Work
We are a boutique, not a factory. We work closely with our partners and clients to translate their goals and needs into custom environments that fit their vision. Over the last 16 years, we have worked more than 80 clients on 100+ projects, from math games for kindergarteners to activities that promote health and wellness for senior citizens. Our clients and partners span all industries and sectors, including government agencies such as Centers for Disease Control and NASA, foundations such as the J. Paul Getty Trust and the MacArthur Foundation, corporations such as Dell and Toyota, and research institutions such as Woods Hole Oceanographic Instituion and UCLA. We look forward to meeting with you and hearing your story.
What We Do
We specializes in creating games, activities and environments in which users learn within the context of a community. Our simulation based games and diverse user tools inspire exploration and creativity. Our virtual communities support the social, behavioral and educational interests of our users. There are many companies who offer web-site design, some that offer sophisticated virtual communication tools (such as web conferencing services), and a few that specialize in online worlds. Numedeon is the only company that brings all these aspects of web functionality together into a single, coherent and persistent virtual environment. For a fraction of the cost of less complete services offered by other vendors, you can establish a sophisticated multifunctional NICE community to provide your members with an immersive and comprehensive resource. If your organization would like to have a unique web presence serving all the collaborative, communicative, and information needs of your community, Numedeon is the only company with the technology and experience to help you build it.
 NASA |  U.S. Department of Homeland Security |  Humana |
|---|---|---|
 UT Health Science Center |  MacArthur Foundation |  Getty |
 WhOI |  CDC |  William James College |
 DELL |  Scion |  National Science Foundation |
Partners
We work with our partners to create custom learning experiences
Meet The Makers:
Our Team
Jim, Jen and Mark met in the early 1990s at the California Institute of Technology, where they discovered a shared passion for education, learning and technology. There was a meeting of minds, and a vision for Numedeon was born. Since then, they have brought together a team of developers, designers and community managers to invent and create online platforms and processes for learning. Numedeon's core team has worked together for more than 20 years. Our expertise and experience in developing online learning environments are second to none.
Jim Bower, Ph.D.
CEO and Chairman of the Board
Jen Sun, Ph.D.
President & Co-Founder
Mark Dinan
CTO & Co-Founder