KANSAS SCHOOLS TEST IN-CLASS VIDEOGAMES
Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006
NEWBURYPORT, Mass., Sept. 20, 2006 - The unique learning potential of interactive videogames takes a big step into the mainstream of U.S. education with an agreement announced today by Muzzy Lane Software and a consortium of Kansas public schools.
Glenn Wiebe, Social Studies Curriculum Specialist for Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK), which serves more than 50 K-12 school districts, led a year-long effort to find effective instructional tools that would help teachers engage today's digital students and achieve higher levels of academic performance.
That search led to Muzzy Lane and its MAKING HISTORY multiplayer strategy game that lets students command the economic, political and military fates of nations during World War II. "We're looking to establish a new framework for educational best-practices in our schools," says Mr. Wiebe, "This isn't about using videogames, it's about raising the bar, and connecting students with vital subject matter in ways that will inspire better educational outcomes."
Starting this fall six high schools will begin using MAKING HISTORY in conjunction with traditional text books and teaching materials. As many as 200 students will participate in the program in their history, social studies and political science classes.
Teachers and school administrators will use this pilot phase to evaluate the educational impact of the interactive curriculum and to use the experience to guide further deployment of MAKING HISTORY to other schools.
The specific terms of the agreement between Muzzy Lane and ESSDACK call for an initial phase of product, technical and curriculum support that includes:
- MAKING HISTORY site license for up to 200 students
- Technical support for installing the game and assisting with user questions
- Onsite training for six teachers in the appropriate use of Muzzy Lane software and
video games in the classroom
- Teacher support materials and instructor's guides for six classrooms
"We have talked extensively with ESSDACK about where we can go based on a successful pilot program," says Nick deKanter, vice president of Muzzy Lane Software. "There are numerous exciting possibilities for the organization to adopt the game and the delivery platform as its own, creating new and unique applications for the specific needs of its teachers and students."
About ESSDACK
Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas is an educational service center based in Hutchinson, Kansas. ESSDACK was established in 1983 by five school districts in the Hutchinson area and has grown to include over 50 member school districts and special education interlocals throughout Kansas. ESSDACK provides an array of services and technologies to help educators excel in their jobs. Visit www.essdack.org to find out more. For more information: www.essdack.org.
About Muzzy Lane Software
Founded in 2002 and based in Newburyport, Mass., Muzzy Lane Software is the developer of MAKING HISTORY, the 3-D grand strategy game that challenges you to change the world. For more information about the company, visit www.muzzylane.com.
Glenn Wiebe, Social Studies Curriculum Specialist for Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas (ESSDACK), which serves more than 50 K-12 school districts, led a year-long effort to find effective instructional tools that would help teachers engage today's digital students and achieve higher levels of academic performance.
That search led to Muzzy Lane and its MAKING HISTORY multiplayer strategy game that lets students command the economic, political and military fates of nations during World War II. "We're looking to establish a new framework for educational best-practices in our schools," says Mr. Wiebe, "This isn't about using videogames, it's about raising the bar, and connecting students with vital subject matter in ways that will inspire better educational outcomes."
Starting this fall six high schools will begin using MAKING HISTORY in conjunction with traditional text books and teaching materials. As many as 200 students will participate in the program in their history, social studies and political science classes.
Teachers and school administrators will use this pilot phase to evaluate the educational impact of the interactive curriculum and to use the experience to guide further deployment of MAKING HISTORY to other schools.
The specific terms of the agreement between Muzzy Lane and ESSDACK call for an initial phase of product, technical and curriculum support that includes:
- MAKING HISTORY site license for up to 200 students
- Technical support for installing the game and assisting with user questions
- Onsite training for six teachers in the appropriate use of Muzzy Lane software and
video games in the classroom
- Teacher support materials and instructor's guides for six classrooms
"We have talked extensively with ESSDACK about where we can go based on a successful pilot program," says Nick deKanter, vice president of Muzzy Lane Software. "There are numerous exciting possibilities for the organization to adopt the game and the delivery platform as its own, creating new and unique applications for the specific needs of its teachers and students."
About ESSDACK
Educational Services and Staff Development Association of Central Kansas is an educational service center based in Hutchinson, Kansas. ESSDACK was established in 1983 by five school districts in the Hutchinson area and has grown to include over 50 member school districts and special education interlocals throughout Kansas. ESSDACK provides an array of services and technologies to help educators excel in their jobs. Visit www.essdack.org to find out more. For more information: www.essdack.org.
About Muzzy Lane Software
Founded in 2002 and based in Newburyport, Mass., Muzzy Lane Software is the developer of MAKING HISTORY, the 3-D grand strategy game that challenges you to change the world. For more information about the company, visit www.muzzylane.com.