New Online Learning Network Brings the Best Teachers to Teens Everywhere

With Brightstorm, Teens Learn From Expert Teachers Through Video-Based Courses Designed to Fill in Knowledge Gaps, Improve Grades and Better Prepare for College


SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - October 21, 2008) - Brightstorm today launched a new online learning network to help high school students deepen their understanding of important subjects and better prepare for college through video-based courses, designed and taught by expert teachers from across the country.

Brightstorm's network offers teens access to 5-hour interactive video courses, broken down into 10-20 minute lessons, in a variety of subjects, including math, writing, history and AP and SAT test prep -- with more subjects and teachers coming soon. The courses are personalized to match high school students' interests and digital consumption habits. On Brightstorm, teens are able to work at their own pace, choose the right teacher for their learning style, participate in interactive discussion groups, and benefit from bonus materials such as interactive quizzes, 'challenges' and study guides.

The growing demand for better education, mass broadband adoption and a new generation of digitally savvy teens is driving the growth of new learning models, services and technologies. Taking advantage of this atmosphere, as well as the talents of amazing teachers from across the country, Brightstorm addresses the need for more high-quality and engaging learning opportunities.

"We started this company as parents, educators and technologists who saw a need for a learning network that helped teens do better in school by syncing with their interests and online lifestyles," said Jeff Marshall, CEO & co-founder, Brightstorm. "Great learning starts with great teaching, and we're giving teens a hand-picked selection of the best teachers from across the country. Simultaneously, Brightstorm broadens the reach of these teachers beyond their hometown classrooms and also gives parents an opportunity to engage with their kids and help them pursue their educational dreams."

"Brightstorm is built on solid curriculum design and sound learning principles," said Shelley Goldman, professor of education and faculty advisor to the Learning Design and Technology Program at Stanford University School of Education. "The company's online learning network empowers teens, teachers and parents to impact the future of education. I believe in this vision and I'm looking forward to seeing the influence this company will have on the way teens learn."

Brightstorm's teachers commit themselves to developing unique curricula that capture the most critical concepts in ways teens can relate to. They are chosen on the basis of an extensive selection process that takes into consideration their classroom teaching success, passion for learning and professional qualifications.

To get 'on Brightstorm,' and learn more about the network, the teachers and how to capture that "A-Ha!" learning moment, log on at www.Brightstorm.com.

About Brightstorm

Brightstorm is advancing the learning economy through an online learning network that empowers teens, teachers and parents to shape the future of education. Brightstorm helps teens do better in school through video-based courses, taught by expert teachers and offered in short, personalized formats. Brightstorm's online learning network gives great classroom teachers a new channel to reach and inspire millions of teens, while providing teens with anytime/anywhere access to outstanding learning experiences that map to their interests and increasingly savvy digital consumption behavior. The net result is a powerful network where teens learn more, expert teachers are able to reach more students, and parents can play a more active role in building their kids' confidence in school. Brightstorm is a venture-backed company based in San Francisco, CA. For more information, please visit www.brightstorm.com.

Contact Information: For More Information Kasey Fleisher or Lindsey Zouein LaunchSquad Phone: 415-625-8555 Email: brightstorm (at) launchsquad.com