[NFBK] Recruiting for students to test brand new PBS Kids learning game

[Noble,Stephen L.]

Kentucky students have an exciting opportunity to assist WNET/PBS Kids and Bridge Multimedia in designing a brand new accessible elementary-level digital learning game, based on the long-running PBS Cyberchase series [If you are unfamiliar with the show, check out http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/videos/ ]. The goal of the project is to design fully-accessible mainstream math learning games that can be used by all young children, including children who may have a disability. The project is supported with funding from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) at the US Department of Education.



This will be the third such game to be developed. The first game "Railway Hero" was released in 2018, and “Echo Explorers” was released in 2020. For background, see https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/supporting-your-child-with-disabilities-with-digital-learning-games



We are currently recruiting young students for alpha and beta testing for the new game. All user testing will be done remotely via Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Skype. We are especially looking for children with visual, hearing or learning disabilities. While we are especially recruiting Kentucky students, children in other states can also participate.



Here are the inclusion criteria for the user trials:

  *   Child must be 5-8 years old (can go slightly older if developmental delay is present)
  *   Child must demonstrate some type of impairment that impacts learning or sensory access
  *   Child must have access to a device at home such as computer or tablet with internet access to play the game
  *   An adult must be able to help facilitate the testing at home with the child

User testing will take about 1 hour. The first round of testing will occur sometime between July 20 and July 25. Slots will be available during the day, in the evening and on the weekend to accommodate parent/child schedules. All participants who complete this study will receive a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card.


Parents who are interested in having their child try out the game should please contact me directly for further details:

Steve Noble
Steve.noble at louisville.edu<mailto:Steve.noble at louisville.edu>
502-969-3088


Disclaimer: The accessibility development for PBS Kids Cyberchase accessible learning apps has been partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, through grants #H327C150007 and H327C150008. However, this content does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal government.

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