Formative Evaluation of “Inventors’ Workshop” Prototype Web Game – FULL REPORT

October 6th, 2006 | EVALUATION

During half-hour sessions, four third grade girls and four third grade boys from a Long Island elementary school were observed individually while playing an early prototype of a computer game called 'Inventors' Workshop. The procedure involved assessment of student interpretation of the part visuals and renaming of parts once the game had been experienced; suggestions for additional parts; comprehension of the connection of parts; understanding of rotation feature; ability to respond to three different and successively more difficult challenges; ability to invent their own challenge for classmates; inventiveness in free play; interest in changing appearance of inventions; and suggestions for a name of the game. Cyberchase is the Emmy Award-winning mathematics series and website on PBS KIDS GO! using broadcast, web, new media and educational outreach to impact millions nationwide. Designed for children ages 8 to 11 and packed with mystery, humor, and action, Cyberchase's mission is to improve kids' problem-solving and math skills, and inspire them with confidence and enthusiasm toward math. The TV series airs daily on PBS KIDS GO! across the country, and the website (pbskidsgo.org/cyberchase) offers over 100 math games and activities for kids, video streaming of full episodes and clips, and a Parents & Teachers site with lesson plans, activities and tips for adults. Cyberchase reaches across platforms with apps for the SMART Board and iPhone. The traveling bilingual museum exhibit, Cyberchase: The Chase Is On!, continues to tour the country and is permanently installed at the Children's Museum of Houston.

Document

Flagg_2006_FormEval_InventorsWorkshopPrototypeWebGame.pdf

Team Members

Barbara Flagg, Author, Multimedia Research
Thirteen/WNET, Contributor

Funders

Funding Source: NSF
Funding Program: AISL
Award Number: 0540279
Funding Amount: 1530000

Related URLs

http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/
Cyberchase Season 5: Math and Inventions: My Big Idea

Tags

Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | Evaluators | Museum | ISE Professionals
Discipline: Education and learning science | Mathematics
Resource Type: Evaluation Reports | Formative
Environment Type: Broadcast Media | Games | Simulations | Interactives | Media and Technology | Websites | Mobile Apps | Online Media