ExploreLearning explained

ExploreLearning is a Charlottesville, Virginia-based education technology company that operates a large library of interactive online simulations for mathematics and science education in grades 3 - 12 called 'Gizmos'. ExploreLearning also makes Reflex, an online, game-based system for math fact memorization.^[1] ExploreLearning is a business unit of Cambium Learning Group.^[2]

History

The company was founded in 1999 by David Shuster.^[3]

In 2017, ExploreLearning acquired IS3D, LLC for an undisclosed amount.^[4]

In August 2025, Cambium Learning Group announced that it would merge its ExploreLearning and Learning A-Z brands, with a new unified name and brand identity to be introduced in early 2026.^[5] The consolidated platform is planned to offer supplemental curriculum and professional learning resources across K-12 literacy, mathematics, and science.^[5] As part of the merger, Learning A-Z president Aaron Ingold will assume leadership of the combined organisation, while David Shuster will transition into a senior advisory role.^[6]

Products

Gizmos

"Gizmos" are a collection of online interactive simulations that are operated by ExploreLearning.^[7] The simulations are centered on science education and mathematics.^{[8] [9]}

These simulations have been recognized with educational awards.^[10] The Gizmos earned finalist honors from the Software and Information Industry Association.^[11] They have been the subject of scholarly studies of educational technology.^{[12] [13] [14] [15]}

Reflex

Reflex is for assessing and developing math fact fluency in grade 2-8 students.^[16]

External links

• ExploreLearning, Inc. snapshot on Bloomberg Businessweek

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2012 CODiE Award Finalist listing for Best K-12 Instructional Solution . 2012-04-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120415194117/http://www.siia.net/codies/2012/finalist_detail.asp?id=29 . 2012-04-15 . dead .
2. Cambium Learning Group Inc . 2019-07-11 . Cambium Learning Partners with Clever Across Four Business Units . 2022-10-20 . GlobeNewswire News Room . en.
3. Web site: David Shuster Cambium Learning Group . 2024-07-30 . www.cambiumlearning.com . en.
4. Web site: Innovates . Dallas . Sorter . Amy Wolff . 2017-11-16 . ExploreLearning Boosts STEM Education Power With IS3D Buy . 2024-07-30 . Dallas Innovates . en-US.
5. Web site: Cambium Learning Group to Combine ExploreLearning and Learning A-Z Brands . THE Journal . 2025-08-25 . Rhea Kelly . 2025-12-03.
6. Web site: Learning A-Z to Merge with ExploreLearning; Yourway Raises $9M to Expand AI Platform . EdWeek Market Brief . Michelle Caffrey . 2025-08-20 . 2025-12-03.
7. Web site: Explorelearning Gizmos - Powerful Web Based Simulations for Math and Science, Grades 3-12. LHRIC. October 24, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121015161015/http://lhric.org/instructional_tech.cfm?subpage=775. October 15, 2012. dead.
8. Web site: Learning with Gizmos!. Tech 4 Mathed. July 19, 2011. October 24, 2012. February 18, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120218193552/http://www.tech4mathed.com/blog/2011/07/19/learning-with-gizmos/. dead.
9. Web site: Company Overview of ExploreLearning, Inc.. https://web.archive.org/web/20090218100535/http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=1453186. dead. February 18, 2009. Business Week. October 24, 2012.
10. Web site: Awards of Excellence Winners 2008. Tech Learning. January 3, 2009. October 24, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20090212130954/http://techlearning.com/article/15112. February 12, 2009. dead.
11. Web site: ExploreLearning Gizmos Earn Finalist Honors in Three Categories from Software & Information Industry Association. PRNewswire. October 24, 2012.
12. http://publish.edu.uwo.ca/george.gadanidis/pdf/applets-Montreal.PDF http://publish.edu.uwo.ca/george.gadanidis/pdf/applets-Montreal.PDF
13. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cluster=11192436289240940927&hl=en&as_sdt=80000000000000 Analysis of Technology in the Classroom–Explorelearning's Gizmos
14. Sivit, F. (2004). A practical example of Mathematics Teaching using the Internet. In L. Cantoni & C. McLoughlin (Eds.), Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2004 (pp. 3188 - 3193). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
15. http://www.infocus.com/ms/learningcenter/documents/ProjectingScienceandMathematics.pdf Projecting Science and Mathematics
16. Web site: Winner In Best K-12 instructional Solution . 2014-03-14 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140314235009/https://www.siia.net/codies/2012/winners_detail.asp?nID=118 . 2014-03-14 . dead .