Gamification. If you’ve been around my blog for any amount of time, you’ll know that’s one of my favorite new definitions. I’ve been so intrigued by gamification, and one of my new favorite terms: Includification, that I decided to work on finding sites and activities that promote just those activities. If you’re a new viewer, or you have no idea what I’m talking about at this point, then let me give you a brief update what these terms mean.
Gamification:
1. The use of game design techniques, game thinking, & game mechanics to enhance non-gaming contexts.
Includification:
1. An ideology that content should include everyone, regardless of ability.
2. Design so that everyone can enjoy and appreciate the fruits of creative labor.
I started thinking if there were any places where these terms could be fully utilized, and I think I may have just found a couple of sites that are available to help do just that. Let’s start with the young ones first, because the earlier you can start a child’s education the more prepared they’ll be in the future. I’ll then go into detail about a wonderful site designed for adults to keep our minds sharp, focused, and energized.
For The Kids [ Preschool – Kindergarten ]: ABCMouse.com
If you’ve never read my article on gamification featuring Gabe Zichermann, he details in his lecture how gaming can actually make kids smarter. I couldn’t agree with him more and so, when I saw a commercial for ABCMouse.com, I knew I had to cover the site at some point. ABCMouse.com is an interactive hub for digital learning designed for early children’s learning. The curriculum is vast, so if you’re worried that it’s just a single subject site [ math, english, reading, etc. ] don’t worry – it has it all. I’ve looked over the site and it seems to be extremely accommodating to both children and parents alike.
Here’s a list of the possible curriculum that your child may see:
- Reading
- Math
- Art
- Science
- Social Studies
- Phonics
Each of these curriculum are presented in ways that make the educational process engaging, entertaining, and meaningful to the young student in training. Children will learn via online books, puzzles, games, and interactive printable materials that parents can use to continue your child’s education offline. The site is completely 100% child safe, and parents can even take part as an active participant in their child’s education.
Welcome to class kids! Get ready to learn!
The site utilizes personalization factors such as:
- A personalized avatar for your child
- A lesson builder so parents can control lesson plans
- A progress tracker so parents can see how their child learns
- A ticket and rewards system for children to reward them for success
- Interactive learning activities that make learning feel personal
- Recordable book options to make reading with your child a new experience.
A place of learning even a mother could love!
The site is backed by certified doctors and teachers and you can enroll today for either $7.95 per month, or $79.00 per year. You and your child will have a blast with these fun, easily accessible, and engaging new site. Now – as for you parents, don’t feel left out. If you find yourself feeling a little foggy after all of your time spent with your child’s education I think I’ve found a site for you too!
Gastrogamer 