Classroom constraints & the pass-back effect: Games designed to transcend generational divides Marjee Chmiel- The JASON Project Nina Walia- PBS KIDS

Part 1: Classroom Constraints Time Technology Standards Accountability

Time

Multiple Entry Points

Modified Challenges

Personal Goal Setting

Technology Many teachers don’t have installation permissions (avoid download-ables) Keep student permission constraints in mind Have as many offline options as possible Keep limited bandwidth in mind Support is not optional Build for 4 years ago

Standards Local standards matter most Learning objectives must be crystal clear (what will students be able to do that they could not do before?) Why does the game help students meet standards better than what the teacher was doing before?

Identify things that are the most conceptually challenging

Model Use in Classroom

Accountability Provide lesson plans/ worksheets for different “levels” of integration Keep standards up front API integration/ achievement reports built into game

Awareness: -links to games on your website -include in parent newsletter -recommend to school library Optional: -assign as homework -assign as extra credit -recommend to special educators -use as transition activity for students who finish assignments early Large Group Activity: Demonstratio n or full-class game on interactive Small group- individual activity -laptops -computer labs -many come with worksheets (or worksheets are in development )

Pass it Back! Kid Apps on Grown-Up Devices PBS KIDS Interactive Nina Walia, Associate Director

pass-back effect : when a parent or adult passes their own mobile device to a child to occupy them when they’re on the go »back seat of the car »at restaurants »waiting in line

pbskids.org

9 million unique visitors per month

Pass-Back Effect Audience: Who They Are and What They Want Parents AND Kids Age range of kids: 3-6 year olds Parents passback to distract but educational value relieves the guilt

60% of Top 25 Paid Educational Apps Target Preschoolers iLearn: A Content Analysis of the iTunes App Store’s Education Section, Joan Ganz Cooney Center, 2009

Pass-Back Effect Audience: Who They Are and What They Want Age range of kids: 3-6 year olds Parents passback to distract but educational value relieves the guilt Content must be engaging and quiet

NOT Quiet

Quiet and Engaging

Pass-Back Effect Audience: Who They Are and What They Want Age range of kids: 2-5 year olds Parents passback to distract but educational value relieves the guilt Content must be engaging and quiet Most using iPhones vs. iPod Touch

Resources PBS KIDS Mobile Downloads: pbskids.org/mobile PBS KIDS Mobile Technologies & Learning Research:

Nina Thank you! Marjee Chmiel