Mythica Proposal Gold Team Review

1. Proposal Response to the
Mythica Education Consortium
Mythica First – English Second
English as a Second Language Distance Education Program
April 11, 2009
Submitted By
Knowledge Tree Consulting, Inc.
1000 Garden Lane
College Station, Texas 77840

2. MYTHICA FIRST – ENGLISH SECOND APRIL 11, 2009
ESL DEP
CONTENTS
Section Page
1 TECHNICAL APPROACH ........................................................................... 1
1.1 SUMMARY ...................................................................................... 1
1.2 ASSUMPTIONS............................................................................... 1
1.3 RAPID PROTOTYPING DESIGN PROCESS ................................. 1
1.4 BASE OPERATING SYSTEM ......................................................... 1
1.5 ESL DEP MODULES ....................................................................... 2
1.6 SCHEDULE ..................................................................................... 2
2 MANAGEMENT APPROACH ...................................................................... 4
2.1 ORGANIZATIONAL AND STAFFING APPROACH ......................... 4
2.2 SKILLS RETENTION ....................................................................... 4
2.3 PHASE-IN PLAN................................................................................ 4
3 PAST PERFORMANCE ............................................................................... 4
3.1 RUSSIAN SPACE AGENGY ............................................................... 5
3.2 HALLIBURTON OIL AND GAS ........................................................ 5
4 COST / PRICE.............................................................................................. 5

3. MYTHICA FIRST – ENGLISH SECOND APRIL 11, 2009
ESL DEP
1 TECHNICAL APPROACH Central Station: The University of Mythica
will serve as the Central Station for the
Knowledge Tree Consulting, Inc. has a Central Servers Room and for the Office of
proven record of producing high-quality Operations and Support.
Distance Education Programs (DEPs) for
teaching English as a Second Language Network: Mythica’s established infrastructure
(ESL). This experience provides an of digital networks and Internet will be utilized
unequaled foundation for contributing to for this ESL DEP. No additional infrastructure
Mythica’s continued educational development will be developed.
and success. Design Resources: Four (4) educated,
English-speaking Mythican Curriculum
1.1 SUMMARY Specialists will be available, dedicated
resources to work with the KTCI designers in
Knowledge Tree Consulting, Inc. (KTCI)
development of the curriculum modules.
supports the belief that knowledge is acquired
through experience or experiential activities
1.3 RAPID PROTOTYPING DESIGN
and that the learner is actively seeking to
make sense of the world. With this in mind, PROCESS
KTCI proposes an adaptive ESL DEP Over our 15-year history, the rapid
comprised of entirely web-based resources, prototyping processes employed by KTCI
with an emphasis on computer delivery to have matured and become ingrained in the
target the majority of the Mythican population. day-to-day activities, becoming second
Our expertise in using rapid prototyping to nature to those executing the processes. Our
develop effective learner-centered designs in proven rapid prototyping approach will
complex settings that simulate real-world accelerate the design process substantially
situations is the cornerstone of our success. and facilitate cost avoidance. This will also
We have the experience and the industry give us a 1st and 2nd prototype for approval
connections to develop systems based on the and testing of you, the Mythicans. We are
latest research being developed by experts in dedicated to a high-quality, well-documented
the fields of science, technology, medicine, processes and have a proven track record for
and business. With specific emphasis placed documenting and communicating adherence
on developing adaptive modules in these to defined processes. We will bring the same
disciplines, KTCI will address on the short level of emphasis to the Mythica First –
and long-term needs of the Mythican people. English Second ESL DEP.
Mythica can be assured that KTCI will be It is this rigor and dedication that will allow
ready Day-1 to support this new venture. We our designers to work hand-in-hand with the
are pleased to propose Mythica First – Mythican Curriculum Specialists to develop
English Second, a customized ESL DEP, relevant modules in the science, technology,
designed specifically to meet the needs of the medicine and business arenas for the
Mythican people in the present and well into Mythican people.
the future.
1.4 BASE OPERATING SYSTEM
1.2 ASSUMPTIONS KTCI has developed a base operating system
KTCI has agreed to the following from which all DEPs are built. This state-of-
assumptions: the system improves performance and
minimizes cost. This along with the rapid
Period of Performance: The period of prototyping design is the main foundation or
performance for this ESL DEP is our program. Our base system is an online
April 15, 2009 to April 15, 2014. system that is accessible through a standard
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4. MYTHICA FIRST – ENGLISH SECOND APRIL 11, 2009
ESL DEP
web-browser application. It includes sequential accomplishments enables the
computer collaboration tools to promote student to effectively meet the course
team environments and online interaction objectives. The student’s enthusiasm for
between learners and instructors. This learning will be fueled by their ability to
supports our vision of creating “communities measure their own progress as these
of inquiry.” solutions are developed using the English
language.
Our base operating system is how the ESL
modules will be made available to users of The elements of English speech will be
the DEPs. Our base operating system presented by continuous audio interaction
includes computer-aided communications with the student through the interactive web
such as Email, Bulletin Boards, News workstations. Students will explore the audio
Groups, etc. and online methods of course narratives by replaying the audio, reading a
delivery. In addition, it includes a streaming written version of the audio and the context-
server as a central repository of multimedia sensitive application tools for inquiry and
files. This repository facilitates reusability for exploration. The rich graphics environment
future students and classes and provides will provide clues to the student through
continued support to the development of symbols, icons and pictures, among other
online communities of inquiry. graphical elements. English narratives,
student’s voice recordings, and words
At KTCI, our talented designers then develop entered through a keyboard will be
customized ESL DEP modules (starting with
continuously recorded into the system.
our standard module design) that ultimately Audio, video, and written summaries of the
integrate with our base operating system. student’s interaction with the system will be
generated automatically for the instructor’s
1.5 ESL DEP MODULES review. The DEP is adaptable for individual or
Our ESL DEP modules are designed to group study. Study may work from home or
immerse students into a specific area of study in collaboration with other students remotely
beginning with the first lesson. Four different or in the classroom. The system will support
modules will be available in the fields of different communication channels for
science, medicine, technology, and business. interaction and communication with students
Each module will provide unique real-life and instructors.
learning environments. These learning
environments will be developed with the Features Benefits
assistance of Mythican Curriculum Specialists  Web-based Application  Accessible from Any
who will be focused on developing curriculum Computer with Internet
Access
that is of particular interest to the Mythican  Customized Modules
Developed with  Quick Adoption by
people. For example, a business module Mythicans
Mythican Elders
might guide a student through the
 User-friendly
development of a business plan. As Collaboration Tools  Facilitates Group
mentioned above, these modules will Learning
immerse students into the curriculum and Environments
therefore immerse such said students into the
English language. These modules will vary in 1.6 SCHEDULE
complexity and offer basic, intermediate and
advanced learning scenarios. The Our efficient project management model will
interactive, web-based multimedia motivates facilitate a 4-month implementation schedule.
the student to actively pursue problem solving Table 1-1 provides the major milestones
by providing opportunities for them to develop associated with the design, Phase-In, and
their own solutions. A clear definition of
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5. MYTHICA FIRST – ENGLISH SECOND APRIL 11, 2009
ESL DEP
Implementation of the Mythica First – English
Second ESL DEP.
Table 1-1. Major Milestones
Milestone Completion Date
 Design Phase  07/15/2009
 Including 1st, 2nd, and
Final prototypes
 Phase-In Period  08/15/2009
 Implementation  08/31/2009
 Maintenance( begins  08/31/2009
to work out bugs if
necessary upon
implementation)
 Maintenance  8/31/2010
(including updates
and addition of
modules if
necessary)
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6. MYTHICA FIRST – ENGLISH SECOND APRIL 11, 2009
ESL DEP
2 MANAGEMENT APPROACH curriculum modules and will require full-time
support from our Network Engineer.
The comprehensive management and
staffing approach, and realistic Phase-In plan 2.2 SKILLS RETENTION
offered by KTCI will facilitate a successful Retention of skilled personnel will be keeps
implementation and provide efficient, cost down and contribute to successful
responsive support to the Mythica First – contract performance. To aid in retention of
English Second ESL DEP. employees, KTCI reviews compensation
Our management approach will address levels periodically and adjusts them to ensure
pertinent aspects of this ESL DEP, such as equity and to retain and motivate the
staffing and skills retention. KTCI’s project workforce. Another important tool in retaining
management approach is efficient and skilled employees is the ability to recognize
comprehensive, providing a dedicated Project employee growth and allow for career
Manager that is accessible and responsive to advancement. We are committed to
Mythica’s needs. administering employment and personnel
practices and programs fairly and equitably,
2.1 ORGANIZATIONAL AND without discrimination.
STAFFING APPROACH
2.3 PHASE-IN PLAN
As a recognized leader in the design and
implementation of DEPs, our strength lies in We have long-standing demonstrated
our skills, experience, and passion for rapid performance of effective utilization of a
prototyping design. KTCI is able to efficiently 30-day Phase-In period on previous and
access the company-wide resources current major contracts implementing on-line
necessary to successfully fulfill the DEPs. Our approach provides the thorough
requirements of this contract. We have over preparation needed to ensure high-maturity of
15 years experience developing and the system and seamless integration with the
implementing ESL DEPs. This far-reaching existing network architecture in use at the
experience includes a unique understanding University of Mythica.
of modules developed for science,
technology, medicine, and business. Features Benefits
 Dedicated Project  Accessible and
We have selected outstanding key design Manager Responsive to Needs of
personnel to provide the required technical Mythica
leadership, skills and experience to begin the
rapid prototyping design process. This is  Key Personnel have  Cost Effective, Rapid
necessary for the effective design and Extensive ESL DEP Design Phase
implementation of the program. Each module Experience
will have a designated Instructional Designer,
Mythican Curriculum Specialist, and Software
Engineer. A Language Acquisition Specialist 3 PAST PERFORMANCE
will support each of the four modules. In
addition, the Documentation/Training KTCI has proven rapid prototyping design
Coordinator will formalize the documentation experience with ESL DEPs to support
and generate detailed training manuals. successful design and implementation of the
Every member of the team will be cognizant Mythica First – English Second ESL DEP.
of their task requirements and the customer’s KTCI understands the significant challenges
quality goals, through the setting of personal of implementing a DEP focused on teaching
performance objectives. ESL. It requires experienced instructional
Development of the system architecture will designers, systematic rapid prototyping
occur in parallel with the development of the processes, and the highest level of attention
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7. MYTHICA FIRST – ENGLISH SECOND APRIL 11, 2009
ESL DEP
to detail. For more than 15 years of Proven 15-Year Proven Track Record
experience, the dedicated designers at KTCI Designing DEPS
have been pioneers in developing DEPs that  Designed and implemented 57 DEPs on
exceed our customer expectations. schedule and within budget
Sections 3.1 and 3.2 provide two examples of  35 ESL DEPs have been designed for
ESL DEPs designed, implemented, and scientific, medical, technological and business
currently maintained by KTCI and will industry leaders
substantiate our relevant experience and Our existing 12-year contract with Halliburton
capabilities in rapid prototyping design of ESL allows us to continuously enhance this DEP
DEPs. by adding new ESL modules that reflect
3.1 RUSSIAN SPACE AGENGY Halliburton’s evolving work environments.
Halliburton recognized our excellent
As one of NASA’s contracts for the performance and contribution with an Award
International Space Station (ISS); KTCI has Fee score of 97.
significant and relevant experience with the
ESL DEP for the Russian Space Agency 4 COST / PRICE
(RSA). KTCI is the original developer and KTCI is pleased to submit our Cost/Price for
current contractor for this on-line DEP. We the Mythica First – English Second ESL DEP.
are successfully managing our second 5-year This price remains firm for one hundred and
contract. The heavy emphasis on modules twenty (120) days from submission of the
developed for science, medicine, technology proposal. Our cost proposal was developed
and business will be of particular benefit to using our approved estimating, pricing and
the Mythica First – English Second contract. accounting systems, and is consistent with
The RSA program supported the first our disclosed accounting practices.
cosmonauts to inhabit the ISS in 2000 and
has been used to successfully teach English To perform the design and implementation
to all cosmonauts and their families. Using tasks, KTCI will provide 14 key personnel
our systematic rapid prototyping design with extensive experience in generating rapid
processes we were able to work hand-in- prototyping ESL DEP requirements. Our
hand with experienced cosmonauts that rates for these skill sets are clearly stated in
spoke English to develop and implement Table 2-1 and are competitive within our
relevant modules within a 6-month timeframe. industry.
KTCI completed this project on schedule and This design and implementation phase of this
within budget. DEP will be performed on site at Mythica
3.2 HALLIBURTON OIL AND GAS University, located in Grand Mythica. Our 14
key personnel will travel to Mythica and
KTCI applied our tested and proven rapid remain for the duration of their assigned
prototyping design processes in the tasks. The University of Mythica has
development of an ESL module for graciously supplied housing and office space
Halliburton. This particular module at no cost to KTCI.
emphasizes relevant terminology for the oil The proposed material and equipment costs
and gas industry and was designed for (including maintenance) required for period of
individual and/or group participation. This 6- performance associated with this DEP are
month rapid prototyping effort worked with detailed in Table 2-1.
geologists, engineers and project managers
to implement an effective on-line program KTCI employs a 15 percent annual
that could be accessed from Halliburton’s Management fee consistent with industry
numerous operating sites. practices.
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8. MYTHICA FIRST – ENGLISH SECOND APRIL 11, 2009
ESL DEP
Table 2.1 Detailed Pricing Sheet for Mythica First – English Second ESL DEP
KTCI PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
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