eTecNEDC

1. Norman Economic Development Coalition
710 Asp Ave., Suite 100
Norman, Oklahoma 73069
Office: 405.573.1900
Fax: 405.573.1999
PRESS RELEASE
July 13, 2011 Contact Information:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jillian Ward
NEDC Public Relations Intern
Office: (405) 573-1900
E-mail: intern@nedcok.com
FORWARD THINKING COMPANY AIMS TO IMPROVE EDUCATION
NextThought addresses educational problems with technology
NORMAN, OKLA.—Ken Parker and a talented team launched a Norman-based educational
technology company, NextThought, in April 2011 to create a platform for delivery and creation
of online education that could change the way that people learn.
NextThought is currently operating out of the Emerging Technology Entrepreneurial
Center (eTec), a technology based business incubator operated by the Norman Economic
Development Coalition (NEDC), where its team aims to tackle educational issues with
technology and customization.
―It is tragic when someone has the ability and desire for education, but no opportunity.
Using technology and the Internet, NextThought is designed to make quality education more
accessible, regardless of income or location,‖ says Parker.
According to Parker, students‘ achievement highly depends on the quality and quantity of
the local teachers and schools. NextThought plans to support students, teachers and schools with
a unique educational platform based upon proven technology with research, content and delivery
contributed by many resources.
Parker compares the modern educational system to the principles of the Industrial
Revolution, where efficiency and standardization were key concepts. Now he claims we need a
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2. NextThought online education, page 2
―learner-centric system‖ where custom learning is available. Instead of learning in ‗batches‘
grouped by age and location, students will have a personal learning journey with interactive and
adaptive content, instant feedback, and online communities of fellow learners.
―The assembly-line education process will not be effective. People are not the same;
everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. NextThought provides a personal tutor in every
topic so each student can progress at their own speed,‖ says Parker.
NextThought is designed to support various educational needs with one technology
platform. This will enable a global education marketplace, which creates high-paying jobs,
enhanced opportunities for teachers and students, and a new way to write and deliver content.
This marketplace will offer online interactive content, classrooms and educational
communities. Multiple authors will be able to contribute content and teachers can interact with
students, allowing them to learn at an optimal speed and level.
Parker claims this platform will allow NextThought to realize its mantra of ―Change the
World, Have Fun, Make Money – in that order.‖
Don Wood, executive director of NEDC, says of Parker, ―Ken has previously
demonstrated his talents in a venture startup, RiskMetrics, and we are excited about his new
venture, NextThought. He has put together a talented staff, which we expect great things from.‖
Ken Parker earned his bachelor‘s degree in mathematics and computer science from
Oklahoma Christian University and a computer science master‘s degree from the University of
Colorado at Boulder. He currently serves on advisory boards at the University of Oklahoma‘s
school of computer science and MBA program.
NextThought is located at 710 Asp Ave., Suite 400, Norman, OK 73069. For more
information, email info@nextthought.com.
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