Durham, NC – Urban Planet – the world’s leading mobile education provider – has gone deep into the jungles of Costa Rica (literally) to acquire the 333 Words English Language Learning System, the most efficient way to learn English on the planet.  Urban Planet is incorporating the newly acquired system into its award winning mobile education lines to create a new, patent pending product, Urban English Express (UEx). Urban English Express promises to be the fastest and most effective way to teach beginner level English to students of all ages on any mobile device around the world.

The 333 Words English Language System that Urban Planet acquired is unique in identifying the main problems most new English language learners experience; confusion with the rules of grammar and lack of confidence. The system bypasses them in a pedagogically sound manner. It utilizes a logical learning methodology with a set of 333 carefully selected, common and necessary words that are also essential for survival. These 333 words are introduced to the student in a carefully orchestrated learning sequence designed to maximize logical learning, and thus, retention.

“The 333 Words English Language System is specifically designed to allow the student to build confidence and, at the same time, be able to use important and necessary words correctly,” said Lauren Cleaver, Creator of the 333 Words English Language System. “Building confidence ultimately frees the student to experiment with more difficult concepts; therefore, the student becomes more proficient in the language in a relatively short amount of time.”

“This is a game changing acquisition because it not only shows that we will go to the ends of the earth to find strategies that work but it also demonstrates that mobile technologies can work with any system,” said Brian OliverSmith, CEO of Urban Planet. “I am confident that Urban English Express will become the gold standard by which all other mobile and non-mobile English language learning programs are measured.”

Urban Planet has great expectations of tremendous success for Urban English Express based on results of The 333 Words English Language System with non-English speakers in Costa Rica. The majority of non-English speakers were frustrated by the vast detail and somewhat trivial rules taught by other well-known programs. They flocked to the 333 Words English Language System because it simplified the process for learning English efficiently and effectively. The system is successful because, unlike other English Language learning programs, it operates under the assumption English is a step-by-step process that requires the student to experience a level of confidence in the language before he or she can advance to more complicated concepts.

“Urban English Express harnesses the power of technology to deliver a never before possible system that teaches students how to communicate using a unique integrated skills approach to reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English,” said  John Eyles, Leading English Language Expert. “The program is convenient so students are able to work at their own pace and as their schedules permit.”

Urban Planet is a leading innovator of educational products created for mobile, tablet, and computer.  The company is a 2013 CODiE Award Finalist, a Frost & Sullivan Most Innovative App designee, the GSMA Global Mobile Award for Best Mobile Learning Innovation winner and a Gartner Cool Vendor in Education Technology. Urban Planet’s products are available worldwide, with distribution channels in 75 countries. With its innovative and pioneering audio-sms delivery, the company’s mobile learning products can be accessed on over 95% of all mobile phones. Urban Planet also offers Writing Planet™, the world’s only comprehensive, web-based English writing program built on automated assessment technology and created specifically for non-native English speakers. Additional information about the company and products can be obtained at www.urbanplanetmobile.com and www.writingplanet.net or by calling (919) 237-2755.

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How would you describe the work of Urban Planet?

Urban Planet Mobile develops and distributes digital education worldwide, primarily through basic mobile phones that provide English language education. The Urban English™ program design – simple SMS with an embedded audio file – creates the potential of reaching 95% of mobile phones worldwide with life-changing educational content. An English-speaking taxi driver in a tourism-based economy, for example, has the opportunity to earn a greater income than one who can’t speak English.

We believe access to quality education is a human right so our focus is to make education readily available to people, with little or no other access, on a device they already own and use. We also ensure affordability by charging micro-payments. Free programs are hard to scale and sustain because there is always a cost to developing and deploying the content. By providing quality, in demand content, people are more inclined to make the small investment for the tangible results education brings.

Urban Planet started with the goal of reaching the most basic phones and helping bring mobile education to the world. Today we are successfully reaching hundreds of thousands of people with our scalable and affordable technology. And this is only the beginning. Through the support of USAID, Urban Planet is testing and evaluating the effectiveness of MobiLiteracy, our 90-day mobile literacy program in Uganda. The intervention is an out of school supplemental program for pre-literate children. It introduces letters, sounds, and common words, and works on developing both listening comprehension and encouraging storytelling and sharing.

Read the rest of the interview here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Urban Planet today announced that Writing Planet was named a finalist for the 2013 SIIA Education CODiE Awards for Best Reading/English/ELL Instructional Solution.  The SIIA CODiE Awards are the premier award for the software and information industries, and have been recognizing product excellence for 27 years. The awards have over 75 categories and are organized by industry focus areas of Content, Education and Software.

This year’s program features 23 Education categories, several of which are new or updated to reflect the latest industry trends and business models. Winners will be announced during a special awards dinner at the nation’s leading education technology conference, the Ed Tech Industry Summit, in San Francisco on May 6.

Urban Planet’s Writing Planet program is a groundbreaking web-based English writing assessment tool.  Writing Planet offers a more affordable, efficient and technologically state-of-the-art writing tool specifically designed to help English Language Learners (ELL) and professionals become more proficient in their English writing capabilities in a very short period of time. The new technologically advanced writing tool utilizes the Project Essay Grade™ (PEG) artificial intelligence system developed by Measurement Incorporated.  This system enables Writing Planet to provide instant analysis of a student’s writing capabilities.  The analysis is based on the guidelines used by TOEFL and IELTS to evaluate students. It is the only writing assessment program trained to recognize and address errors common to non-native English writers.

DURHAM, NC – In cooperation with its distribution partners in New Zealand and Singapore and in conjunction with Blue Ocean Operating Management Co., Ltd. – a Myanmar Company, Urban Planet Mobile has launched its Urban English program in Myanmar.   The Durham, NC based company’s program is being used to help Myanmar’s citizens become more proficient in English as the country begins to take advantage of its newfound relationships with the United States and European Union.

Urban English is the first mobile content from any western country to be launched in Myanmar.  Urban English was selected as the first mobile learning program to be launched in Myanmar because of its history of quickly and efficiently educating non-English speakers to become more capable in speaking and understanding the English language – the world’s predominant language for business and trade. Myanmar, a country rich in natural resources, continues to draw considerable interest from western businesses, underscoring the importance of English acquisition for the Burmese people.

“Urban Planet Mobile’s Urban English program has proven to be vital to the long-term success of Myanmar’s business and economic future in that it will allow us the ability to communicate with our western contemporaries,” said U Htun Htun Naing, managing director of Blue Ocean Operating Management Co., Ltd.  “Our future is dependent on our ability to communicate and understand the English language and culture of the west.  Urban English is enabling Myanmar’s citizens to effectively and efficiently become proficient in the English language.  It is the reason why we made Urban English the first content of any western company to be offered on our mobile network.”

Urban Planet Mobile CEO, Brian OliverSmith, explaining at a press conference how Urban English will help Myanmar augment its business relationships and spur dramatic economic growth.  Urban Planet Mobile’s Urban English program is the first mobile content from any western company to be launched on the Myanmar mobile phone network.  It is currently available to Myanmar’s citizens.

“Our Urban English program is the first and only western product to be offered on the Myanmar phone network – before any Sony or BMG music or Angry Birds,” said Brian OliverSmith, CEO Urban Planet Mobile.  “Our product serves an even more important function than just teaching English, it allows people from different cultures the ability to communicate and understand what each other is thinking, enabling both parties to bridge cultural gaps and form everlasting business and political partnerships.”

Urban Planet Mobile is a leading innovator of educational products created for mobile, tablet, and computer.  The company was awarded the Frost & Sullivan Most Innovative App, the GSMA Global Mobile Award for Best Mobile Learning Innovation and was awarded the prestigious Gartner Cool Vendor in Education Technology.  Urban Planet Mobile’s products are available worldwide, with distribution channels in 75 countries. With its innovative and pioneering audio-sms delivery, the company’s mobile learning products can be accessed on over 95% of all mobile phones. The company recently launched 32 of its planned 300 English learning apps to be available in 18 different languages. Urban Planet Mobile also offers Writing Planet™, the world’s only comprehensive, web-based English writing program built on automated assessment technology, created specifically for non-native English speakers.  Additional information about the company and our products can be obtained at www.urbanplanetmobile.com and www.writingplanet.net or by calling (919) 237-2755.

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DURHAM, NC – Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering has agreed to subscribe to Urban Planet Mobile’s Writing Planet– a web-based English writing assessment tool specifically designed to help English as Second Language (ESL) students become more proficient in their English writing capabilities.

Urban Planet Mobile’s Writing Planet will be used by all Masters’ level international students of the Masters’ in Engineering Management program who take the English Speaking and Writing course during the spring 2013 semester.   This is an effort by the engineering college to efficiently boost the English writing capabilities of its international students, who are typically below average English writers.  This will enable all Masters students to write better scholarly journals and continue to augment Duke University’s reputation.

“Writing Planet’s ability to offer instant feedback on writing mechanics allows students to quickly develop writing fluency and assists in getting international students at the Masters level up to speed to be English writers,” said Brian OliverSmith, CEO, Urban Planet Mobile.  “Writing Planet has sparked immediate demand from universities and businesses around the globe. We are thrilled that Duke University continues its leadership in innovative technology adoption in utilizing Writing Planet. This indicates how important, desired and valued Writing Planet is in assisting scholars and business people to become better English writers.”

In addition to Duke University, Writing Planet is used by institutions in eight countries around the globe including the U.S., Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, India, Pakistan and Eastern Europe and West Africa. It is used at dozens of institutions with thousands of students improving their writing with Writing Planet.

Urban Planet Mobile is the leading provider of educational products created specifically for worldwide, digital delivery. Developing a wide range of educational content for mobile devices including basic and feature phones, smart-phones, and tablets, Urban Planet has distribution worldwide and offers digital products in 20 countries and counting. Additionally, Urban Planet Mobile also offers Writing Planet, the world’s only comprehensive, web-based English writing program built on automated assessment technology, created specifically for non-native English speakers.  The company was awarded the Frost & Sullivan Most Innovative App, the GSMA Global Mobile Award for Best Mobile Learning Innovation and was awarded the prestigious Gartner Cool Vendor in Education Technology. Additional information about the company and our products can be obtained at www.urbanplanetmobile.com and www.writingplanet.net or by calling (919) 237-2755.

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Writing Planet is a trademark of Measurement Planet, LLC. Measurement Planet is a Joint Venture between Urban Planet Media & Entertainment Corp. and Measurement Incorporated.

DURHAM, NC – Urban Planet Mobile, the world’s leading mobile education provider, has joined forces with GSM Association (GSMA) to generate awareness about the effectiveness and importance of mobile education in helping developing nations enhance their education programs.

Urban Planet Mobile will also be recognized at Mobile World Congress, which is attended by more than 50,000 leaders in the telecommunications industry, for the company’s history of developing cutting edge mobile education programs and its ability to penetrate emerging markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Central/South America by developing partnerships with mobile operators throughout the globe.

As part of its recognition, Urban Planet Mobile was selected to be a GSMA case study because of the company’s continued history of impacting lives through mobile technology.  The case study will be available later this month at this year’s Mobile World conference in Barcelona, Spain.

The GSMA has also recognized Urban Planet CEO Brian OliverSmith as one of the leaders in mobile technology by inviting him to speak on the mLearning panel at the Mobile World Congress to give his perspective on the direction of mobile technology and mobile education.  This honor, bequeathed by the GSMA, acknowledges Mr. OliverSmith as a leading expert in mobile education who continues to blaze new paths as mobile education moves into the future.

“Urban Planet Mobile’s continued commitment to developing and delivering quality mobile educational content continues to draw attention of mobile providers throughout the globe who want to offer our products to their customers,” said Brian OliverSmith, CEO, Urban Planet Mobile.  “Mobile providers from every part of the globe continue to be attracted to our groundbreaking products and request partnerships.  It is only a matter of time until our mobile education products are available to every consumer wanting to learn English through the most efficient and effective product on the market.”

Urban Planet Mobile is a leading innovator of educational products created for mobile, tablet and computer.  The company was awarded the Frost & Sullivan Most Innovative App, the GSMA Global Mobile Award for Best Mobile Learning Innovation and was awarded the prestigious Gartner Cool Vendor in Education Technology.  Urban Planet Mobile’s products are available worldwide, with distribution channels in 75 countries. With its innovative and pioneering audio-sms delivery, the company’s mobile learning products can be accessed on over 95% of all mobile phones. The company recently launched 32 of its planned 300 English learning apps to be available in 18 different languages. Urban Planet Mobile also offers Writing Planet™, the world’s only comprehensive, web-based English writing program built on automated assessment technology, created specifically for non-native English speakers.  Additional information about the company and our products can be obtained at www.urbanplanetmobile.com and www.writingplanet.net or by calling (919) 237-2755.

Click here to see the GSMA Case Study on Urban Planet Mobile.

]]> http://www.urbanplanetmobile.com/news/gsma-joins-with-urban-planet-mobile-to-generate-awareness-about-the-importance-of-mobile-education/feed 0 http://www.urbanplanetmobile.com/news/urban-planet-mobile-expands-board-of-advisors http://www.urbanplanetmobile.com/news/urban-planet-mobile-expands-board-of-advisors#comments Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:15:00 +0000 will http://www.urbanplanetmobile.com/?p=876 DURHAM, NC – Urban Planet Mobile, the world’s leading mobile education provider based in Durham, North Carolina, has expanded its Board of Advisors to include Henry Scherich, Ph. D., CEO of Measurement Incorporated, Bryan Setser, Ph. D., partner at 2Revolutions, and Mr. Jiro Shimoyama, president of the Impossible Dream, Inc.

Dr. Scherich, Dr. Setser and Mr. Shimoyama were asked to join Urban Planet Mobile’s Board of Advisors because of the unique knowledge and experience each person brings to broaden the company’s base of knowledge as it seeks to further enhance its products and expand its reach around the globe.

Dr. Henry Scherich is a renowned leader, innovator and pioneer in the development of automated essay scoring systems.  Dr. Scherich’s company, Measurement Incorporated (MI), has developed the top rated Internet based essay scoring system, Project Essay Grade™[1].  The system is currently being used in elementary, middle and high schools throughout three states and its effectiveness on non-native speakers is being studied at Michigan State University.  Dr. Scherich earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a specialty in Statistics and Measurement from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1975.

Dr. Setser is a curiosity creator and architect of America’s “digerati” movement in public education.  He revitalized and transformed the North Carolina Virtual School into a national model for e-learning serving over 50,000 students annually.  As Chief Quality Officer, his school district was recognized as a Malcolm Baldrige National Award Winner and a national best practice staff development site by the American Productivity and Quality Council.  Bryan has served on numerous national reform efforts including the National Digital Learning Council, the INACOL State Leadership Team, NC Education Cloud Team, and the State Virtual Leaders Alliance.  He has twice been appointed by two separate Governors in North Carolina to the E-learning and School Technology Commissions.  In addition to these accomplishments, Dr. Setser has served at every level of k-12 education as an award winning teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent.  Dr. Setser completed education specialist and doctoral degrees in educational leadership at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Mr. Jiro Shimoyama is president of the Impossible Dream, Inc.  He founded the Open Sky School and Open Sky Biz.  Prior to working at the Impossible Dream, Mr. Shimoyama was Chief Director of multi language software in Bell laboratory, Deputy General Manager NTT Bangkok Office, General manager, Global business development Division, Head of NTT’s China business office, and was president Econtext Inc.

“These additions to Urban Planet Mobile’s board of advisors are representative of the international growth, demand and direction of this company,” said Brian OliverSmith, CEO of Urban Planet Mobile.  “As leaders in mobile education we value knowledge of all kinds.  The expertise and history of success each person offers further enhances our reputation as the worldwide leader in mobile education and positions Urban Planet Mobile for unparalleled growth in the very near future.  These additions to our Board of Advisors demonstrate the widely held belief among our investors that our time has come.”

Urban Planet Mobile is a leading innovator of educational products created for mobile, tablet and computer.  The company was awarded the Frost & Sullivan Most Innovative App, the GSM Global Mobile Award for Best Mobile Learning Innovation and was awarded the prestigious Gartner Cool Vendor in Education Technology.  Urban Planet Mobile’s products are available worldwide, with distribution channels in 75 countries. With its patented audio-sms delivery, the company’s mobile learning products can be accessed on over 95% of all mobile phones. The company recently launched 32 of its planned 300 English learning apps to be available in 18 different languages. Urban Planet Mobile also offers Writing Planet™, the world’s only comprehensive, artificial intelligence driven, web-based English writing program created specifically for non-native English speakers.  Additional information about the company and our products can be obtained at www.urbanplanetmobile.com and www.writingplanet.net or by calling (919) 237-2755.

Mobily and Umniah First Mobile Companies In The Middle East To
Offer Mobile Education To Its Subscribers  

Durham, NC – Mobily, Saudi Arabia’s second largest mobile phone service provider, and Umniah, one of Jordan’s largest providers, have partnered with Urban Planet Mobile, the world’s leading mobile education provider based in Durham, North Carolina, to promote with full marketing support from both providers the Urban English™ Language Learning program to their combined 13-million subscribers.  The program will allow each subscriber to receive detailed English lessons daily to their cell phones via text messages (SMS) with an attached English Learning ring tone.

Launched with a global distributor, the Urban English™ program has met with instant success, acquiring over 30,000 new subscribers in Saudi Arabia and Jordan – a testament to the insatiable desire among the region’s population to learn English.

“Tensions between countries often arise from a lack of cross-cultural awareness and understanding,” said Mobile Education’s creator, CEO and founder of Urban Planet Mobile Brian OliverSmith.  “By expanding the average Saudi Arabian’s or Jordanian’s knowledge and understanding of the English language and it’s nuances we can begin to create not just a country, but a world filled with culturally literate people equipped with the tools needed to understand another country’s culture and therefore avoid misunderstandings.”

Mobily and Umniah recognized the significant demand to learn English among the Saudi and Jordanian populations, especially within the business community where English is the predominant language.  The lessons from the Urban English™ program focus on everyday words and phrases used in a variety of social situations for the international businessman or student wanting a better grasp of daily life and language.  The program is generalized while still being available for a variety of topics from entertainment to shopping to dining out and is in audio to assist in better comprehension and increased communication skills.  Based on “American” English the program also helps to educate learners in the idiosyncratic nuances of the language as it is used in the U.S. thus serving as a dual lesson in English language and U.S. culture.

Urban Planet Mobile is a leading innovator of educational products created for mobile, tablet and computer.  The company was awarded the Frost & Sullivan Most Innovative App and the GSM Global Mobile Award for Best Mobile Learning Innovation. Urban Planet Mobile’s products are available worldwide, with distribution channels in 75 countries. With its patented audio-sms delivery, the company’s mobile learning products can be accessed on over 95% of all mobile phones. The company recently launched 32 of its planned 300 English learning apps to be available in 18 different languages. Urban Planet Mobile also offers Writing Planet™, the world’s only comprehensive, artificial intelligence driven, web-based English writing program created specifically for non-native English speakers.  Additional information about the company and our products can be obtained at www.urbanplanetmobile.com and www.writingplanet.net or by calling (919) 237-2755.