{{Short description|California-based non-profitable organization}} {{Infobox organization | logo = CK-12 Logo.svg | key_people = Neeru Khosla, executive director<br />Murugan Pal, President<br />Miral Shah, CTO | website = https://www.ck12.org | footnotes = Headquarters location<ref>Headquarters address from [https://www.ck12info.org/contact-us/ organization website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104055926/https://www.ck12info.org/contact-us/ |date=2022-01-04 }}; 2300 Geng Rd. Suite 150, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA. {{coord|37|26|6.11|N|122|6|34.59|W|display=inline,title}}</ref> | name = CK12 Foundation | founded = 2007 | founders = Neeru Khosla and Murugan Pal | location = Palo Alto, California | origins = | region_served = Global | focus = Education technology | method = Donations and Grants | revenue = | endowment = | num_employees = | owner = }}
The '''CK-12 Foundation''' is a California-based non-profit organization which aims to increase access to low-cost K-12 education in the United States and abroad.<ref name="svbj">{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/print-edition/2014/03/28/the-reinvention-of-neeru-khosla.html?ana=sm_sjo_ucp27&b=1395941537^14150321 |title=The reinvention of Neeru Khosla |publisher=Silicon Valley Business Journal |date=2014-03-28 |accessdate=2014-04-22}}</ref> CK-12 provides free and customizable K-12 open educational resources aligned to state curriculum standards. As of 2022, the foundation's tools were used by over 200,000,000 students worldwide.<ref name="svbj" />
CK-12 was set up to support K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. It first produced content via a web-based platform called "FlexBook."<ref>{{cite web|last=Park|first=Jane|title=CK-12 Foundation's Neeru Khosla on Open Textbooks|url=https://creativecommons.org/weblog/entry/14141/|publisher=Creative Commons|accessdate=October 18, 2012|date=28 April 2009|archive-date=7 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907000735/http://creativecommons.org/weblog/entry/14141|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://flexbooks-wiki.ck12.org/index.php/Frequently_Asked_Questions/ |title=All about FlexBooks |access-date=2011-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609104707/http://flexbooks-wiki.ck12.org/index.php/Frequently_Asked_Questions |archive-date=2012-06-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
== History == CK-12 was established in 2007 by Neeru Khosla and Murugan Pal as a not-for-profit educational organization.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://kamlashow.com/podcast/2008/08/05/murugan-pal-of-ck-12/ |title=Murgan Pal- Kamla Bhatt show |access-date=2011-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111221101349/http://kamlashow.com/podcast/2008/08/05/murugan-pal-of-ck-12/ |archive-date=2011-12-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Teacher-generated content was initially made available under Creative Commons Attribution licenses so as to make it simpler, easier, and more affordable for children to access educational resources.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://creativecommons.org/licenses/|title=About The Licenses|work=creativecommons.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mindshift.kqed.org/2011/01/the-living-book-movement-free-education-for-all/|title=The "Living Book" Movement: Free Education For All|work=MindShift|access-date=2011-12-12|archive-date=2012-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119101956/http://mindshift.kqed.org/2011/01/the-living-book-movement-free-education-for-all/|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, they later switched to a Creative Commons Non Commercial licence,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-04-08 |title=Attribution Guidelines {{!}} CK-12 Foundation |url=http://www.ck12.org/about/attribution-guidelines/ |access-date=2023-01-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408115352/http://www.ck12.org/about/attribution-guidelines/ |archive-date=2016-04-08 }}</ref> and then to their own "CK-12" license.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-21 |title=Attribution Guidelines |url=https://www.ck12.org/pages/attribution-guidelines/ |access-date=2023-01-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421201921/https://www.ck12.org/pages/attribution-guidelines/ |archive-date=2022-04-21 }}</ref>
Originally, the "C" in CK-12 stood for "connect", indicating that the material was the missing connection in K-12 education. Subsequently, it took on a more open meaning, variously standing for "content, classroom, customizable, connections, collaboration".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://help.ck12.org/hc/en-us/articles/200344635-What-Does-The-C-in-CK-12-Stand-For-|title=What Does The "C" in CK-12 Stand For?|work=Help Center|access-date=2014-04-23|archive-date=2014-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303203025/http://help.ck12.org/hc/en-us/articles/200344635-What-does-the-C-in-CK-12-stand-for-|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2010, NASA teamed up with CK-12 to produce physics-related resources.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-teams-with-ck-12-foundation-on-physics-flexbook-103465599.html|title=NASA Teams With 'CK-12' Foundation on Physics FlexBook|author=NASA|date=21 September 2010|work=prnewswire.com}}</ref>
In March 2013, Microsoft announced a partnership with CK-12 to provide content to Microsoft's Windows 8 customers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edukwest.com/microsoft-emphasizes-student-privacy-partners-knewton-pearson-ck-12/|title=Microsoft emphasizes Student Privacy, partners with Knewton, Pearson|work=EDUKWEST}}</ref>
== FlexBook System == {{Main|FlexBook}}
The foundation's FlexBook website permits the assembly and creation of downloadable educational resources, which can be customized to meet classroom needs. Some FlexBooks are also available in Spanish and Hindi. Content is offered under a Creative Commons license, removing many of the restrictions that limit distribution of traditional textbooks, and are available in various formats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://schoolingtoday.com/flexbooks-challenge-textbooks-at-no-cost-to-students-or-schools/|title=FlexBooks challenge textbooks|work=schoolingtoday.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022221147/http://schoolingtoday.com:80/flexbooks-challenge-textbooks-at-no-cost-to-students-or-schools/|archive-date=2011-10-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/07/ck-12-provides-free-electronic.html|title=Assistive Technology Blog: CK-12 Provides Free Electronic Textbooks|date=29 July 2011|accessdate=9 September 2023|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910054108/http://bdmtech.blogspot.com/2011/07/ck-12-provides-free-electronic.html|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>
== Approach == The CK-12 Foundation's approach to supporting education in schools is by providing it as small, individual elements, rather than as large textbooks. As of 2012, some 5,000 individual elements were available in various formats such as textual descriptions, video lectures, multi-media simulations, photo galleries, practical experiments or flash cards.<ref name="ck12.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.ck12.org/about/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ck12-vision-document.pdf |title=CK-12 Vision document September 2012|website=ck12.org|access-date=9 September 2023}}</ref>
== Other products == In addition to its 88 FlexBooks, the CK-12 Foundation also offers the following online resources to K-12 students: * CK-12 Braingenie -a repository of math and science practice materials.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://braingenie.ck12.org/|title=Braingenie|work=ck12.org}}</ref> * CK-12 FlexMath - an interactive, year-long Algebra 1 curriculum. * CK-12 INeedAPencil - a free SAT preparation website, founded in 2007 by then high school student, Jason Shah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inc.com/college/2010/profiles/jason-shah.html|title=America's Coolest College Start-ups 2010: Jason Shah - Harvard University - Inc.com|work=Inc.com|date=9 December 2024 |last1=Wehrum |first1=Kasey }}</ref>
== Recognition == * CK-12 has been listed in the Top 25 Websites for Teaching by American Association of School Librarians<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/bestlist/bestwebsitestop25.cfm#contenthttp://thetechawards.thetech.org/the-laureates/stories/1500|title=Best Websites for Teaching & Learning 2011|work=ala.org|access-date=2012-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713093151/http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/bestlist/bestwebsitestop25.cfm#contenthttp://thetechawards.thetech.org/the-laureates/stories/1500|archive-date=2011-07-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> * The National Tech Plan - The Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education – has mentioned the CK-12 model as “Transforming American Education – Learning Powered by Technology”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://find.ed.gov/search?q=flexbook&client=default_frontend&output=xml_no_dtd&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&sa.x=0&sa.y=0|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708113103/http://find.ed.gov/search?q=flexbook&client=default_frontend&output=xml_no_dtd&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&sa.x=0&sa.y=0|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-07-08|title=Search Results - ED.gov:flexbook|work=ed.gov}}</ref> * Tech Awards-2010 listed CK-12 in “15 innovations that could save the world”<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/26/tech-awards-2010_n_738486.html#s143442&title=CK12_Foundation|title=Tech Awards 2010: 15 Innovations That Could Save The World (PHOTOS)|work=The Huffington Post|date=26 September 2010 }}</ref> * In introducing Washington state bill, HB 2337: “Regarding open educational resources in K-12 education,” Representative Reuven Carlyle testifies to the benefit CK-12 materials can have for school districts around the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://creativecommons.org/tag/cable-green|title=cable green|work=creativecommons.org}}</ref> * Fortune Magazine described CK-12 as a threat to the traditional textbook industry, and wrote about CK-12's push towards concept-based learning.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2013/03/18/startups-are-about-to-blow-up-the-textbook/|title=Startups are about to blow up the textbook|work=Fortune}}</ref> * National Public Radio writes about CK-12, including its use of "Real World Applications" as teaching devices.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/12/temple-run-meets-algebra-ck12s-new-approach/|title=Temple Run Meets Algebra: CK12's New Approach|work=MindShift|access-date=2013-04-29|archive-date=2015-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319232205/http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/12/temple-run-meets-algebra-ck12s-new-approach/|url-status=dead}}</ref> * Neeru and CK-12 have been featured in the New York Times,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/education/09textbook.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&|title=In a Digital Future, Textbooks Are History|newspaper=The New York Times|date=8 August 2009|last1=Lewin|first1=Tamar}}</ref> the Gates Notes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thegatesnotes.com/Topics/Education/Technologys-Promise-to-Education-Reimagining-Textbooks|title=Technology's Promise to Education: Reimagining Textbooks|author=Bill Gates|work=thegatesnotes.com|access-date=2013-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511131608/http://www.thegatesnotes.com/Topics/Education/Technologys-Promise-to-Education-Reimagining-Textbooks|archive-date=2013-05-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mercury News,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mercurynews.com/mike-cassidy/ci_19794734|title=Cassidy: Don't bet against Neeru Khosla's idea to save our schools|work=mercurynews.com|date=22 January 2012}}</ref> TechCrunch,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/01/15/teachers-or-algorithms/|title=Will We Need Teachers Or Algorithms?|publisher=AOL|work=TechCrunch|date=15 January 2012 }}</ref> Education Week,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2012/10/17/01open.h06.html|title=Education Week: Common Core Drives Interest in Open Education Resources|work=Education Week Digital Directions|date=15 October 2012 |last1=Ash |first1=Katie }}</ref> EduKindle,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edukindle.com/2010/10/6-reasons-to-love-the-textbooks-from-ck12/|title=6 Reasons to Love the Textbooks from CK12|work=EduKindle|date=25 October 2010|access-date=29 April 2013|archive-date=26 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926005649/http://www.edukindle.com/2010/10/6-reasons-to-love-the-textbooks-from-ck12/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Patriot News,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/02/capital_area_intermediate_unit_2.html|title=Capital Area Intermediate Unit wants to test digital textbooks in midstate schools|work=PennLive.com|date=18 February 2011}}</ref> Getting Smart,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gettingsmart.com/2012/04/qa-ck-12-says-oer-tech-can-unlock-cheaper-better-learning/|title=Q&A: CK-12 Says OER & Tech Can Unlock Cheaper, Better Learning|work=Getting Smart|date=12 April 2012}}</ref> and Teachinghistory.org<ref>{{cite web|url=http://teachinghistory.org/issues-and-research/roundtable/25087|title=Digital Textbooks: Has Their Time Come?|work=teachinghistory.org|access-date=2012-01-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210061010/http://teachinghistory.org/issues-and-research/roundtable/25087|archive-date=2011-12-10|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist|2}}
==External links== * [https://www.ck12info.org/about/ CK-12 Community Site.] * [http://radar.oreilly.com/2008/02/ck12-remix-and-share-your-own.html O'Reilly Radar blog], Feb 12, 2008 : "Remix and Share Your Own Text Books as FlexBooks" * [https://www.ck12info.org/flexmath/ Flexmath website] * [https://www.ck12.org/student/ General Student Learning website]
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Category:Book publishing companies based in the San Francisco Bay Area Category:Textbook publishing companies Category:American educational websites Category:Publishing companies established in 2007 Category:Educational organizations based in the United States Category:Non-profit organizations based in California