- From the Kickstarter page for this new educational game
Diskopets is a cartoon based, educational, online game world for kids. They see a comical, animated and fully interactive multiplayer game, while behind the scenes they are actually learning from customizable educational materials.
Cartoon Based Interactive Learning Game World
- Diskopets is a funny, animated, educational multiplayer online game. Like TV cartoons, it has comical and whimsical characters as well as a vast, ever changing world to explore.
- The characters are small, cute, funny pets living high above us in the sky, on a floating island world. Kids take care of and raise these pets, as they play and learn with each other in the multiplayer world
- There are many different areas to explore , within the Diskopets world for children, Most containing educational activities disguised as fun games and puzzles.
- Parents can actually customize and add new learning material to the world. It’s the perfect educational game world for any child in your life.
- The game is completely multiplayer, so kids get the benefit of social interactions and working together with as well.
- Each pet’s personality changes over time and adapts to the player. The pet’s behaviour and emotions will change based on how the player interacts with them.
We started with a desire to create something that would teach science and math to kids. We soon realized that kids learn best through fun, discovery and play.
Learn by Playing:
- Kids learn by playing games.
- They gain physical skills by playing physical activities. They gain social skills by interacting with one another.
- They learn learn best when they are having fun.
Fun with cartoons:
Growing up as kids, we loved cartoons and games. We learned our ABCs from watching our favourite characters on cartoons and television shows.
Sadly, today’s cartoons and games have moved away from the simple, fun and loveable characters we knew on Saturday morning cartoons. Today kids are bombarded with fast, more action based games and shows.
We want to create an interactive game that teaches and encourages learning through funny, cartoon based, character and simple play.
We don’t want the kids in our families to play non-educational, non-constructive games. We want there to be a choice for parents, brothers & sisters or uncles & aunts when it comes to what games to give the kids in their family.
Experimenting = Learning:
Kids learn best when they learn on their own through play and interaction. Kids listen more to subtle suggestions rather than forced rules.
We are creating a world that nudges them in the right direction and uses real educational techniques disguised as funny characters and games.
While television is passive and most educational games are played individually, Diskopets offers a unique opportunity to involve parents in multiple ways, with cooperative and multiplayer gameplay, in-game chats, and customization of educational material
We wanted to make a game that helps build a digital bond between kids and parents, one they can play together. Parents and siblings can even interact within the game, playing and chatting with each other and visiting the homes of their pets, all while learning useful educational material.
Customizable By Parents:
Parents can customize and even add to many areas of the game.
- They can change fruits and vegetables in the garden.
- The art room has drawings that can be uploaded to colour or chose drawings based on learning.
- There is even a quiz show area where questions can be added and customized. It gives parents complete control over what their child will see and learn.
- Many more customizations …
Kids today play many games which are purely for entertainment and don’t have any educational value at all. With Diskopets parents can rest assured that their kids are engaged in something they’ll find fun and entertaining, but they’re also learning as they play and experiment.
Track And View Progress:
Parents might not be aware of what benefit or value their child is getting from a game, if any.
To keep track of and reward achievements, the Diskopets world would include a trophy room.
For kids, it’s a showcase where they can see everything they’ve accomplished and gain status within the world.
For parents, it’s a way to keep track of what games your kids are playing, how much time they’ve spent playing in different activities, and how much progress they’ve made.
Everyone can benefit from Diskopets:
- Kids are entertained, interacting and learning
- Children learn together in a social environment as they play
- Parents know their children are in a educational online game environment
- Parents can customize content and take part in their child’s education
- Teachers can suggest customizations to help with current school needs
- Friends and family members can take part in the multiplayer game fun
or click her for the website
http://www.diskopets.com/
I presented my research on Higher Order Thinking Skills in 3 iPad Games, at the California Educational Research Association in Sacramento California. My room was full of people who asked many thoughtful questions about games and learning.
Gaming and Education 