Pora Ora

Had to reblog this! Especially as Pora Ora is part of Caped Koala Studios!

(via theamericankid)

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/capedkoala/pora-ora-the-future-of-childrens-learning

If you love education, technology, and keeping your kids happy - check this out!

It seems that today with technology speeding off like a McLaren Formula 1 car, we can often feel a little left behind. Just when we manage to formulate an informed opinion, ‘boom’ we’ve already been lapped by technological advances. 

In terms of game based learning it really is worth jumping on the bandwagon (or F1 car!)

Check out this link below, it is a short pdf document that has been aimed at teachers, educators and policy makers alike. It’s worth a look, especially if your still on the fence.

Would love to hear any thoughts on this!

http://www.jisc.ac.uk/media/documents/publications/gamingreportbp.pdf

For a while now there has been a great deal of literature on the benefits of game based learning in the classroom. For some the Jury is still out, but for others, the evidence is clear.

Not only does learning through game play allow children to learn, it also provides them with the necessary tools to stay motivated and engaged.  Topics  considered to somewhat dry to children become fun and exciting in their pursuit of more points and rewards. Children are able to learn at their own pace and on their own. 

In Pora Ora, children are able to communicate with one another (after the internet safety quest, and with the parent’s permission). The most rewarding part is seeing the children help out the other users, demonstrating how well they have grasped a topic or game. Children via games can learn about responsibility and how the world works from money, to planting seeds and keeping the plants (and their Pora Pals) happy.