Case Study
How CRESST Helped PBS KIDS Improve Children’s Learning Through Gameplay
The Client
Website
CRESST Services
PBS KIDS, a trusted provider of educational media for children, collaborated with CRESST to elevate the effectiveness of their Ready To Learn program. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, Ready to Learn leverages a variety of media, including television, the internet, and other platforms, to help millions of young children—especially those in poverty—acquire essential reading, math, and science skills. At the heart of this initiative is the innovative Learning Analytics Platform, developed with CRESST’s expertise.
The Learning Analytics Platform
CRESST helped develop this sophisticated system, designed to track and evaluate children’s learning processes across different media. Whether children engage with PBS KIDS content via games, classroom-based smart whiteboards, or mobile/desktop platforms, the platform meticulously records their interactions. This massive data collection effort processed approximately 200GB of data from tens of thousands of players every month, providing a rich dataset for analysis.
CRESST’s team utilized their expertise in educational assessment, learning, and psychometrics to design and implement a telemetry format capable of capturing detailed learning interactions. The telemetry data was extensive, with a single game producing thousands of events in one session. This wealth of data allowed for an in-depth understanding of the instructional, assessment, and interactive properties of each game.
- Measure and analyze children's learning processes.
- Develop custom reports for parents.
- Improve PBS KIDS educational content.
- Enhance the effectiveness of educational media.
Results
Using their background in game design and game data analysis, the CRESST team developed methodologies to measure and analyze children’s learning processes. Their research showed that the platform can effectively assess and predict mathematics performance, as evidenced by its correlation with standardized assessments like the TEMA-3 for early mathematics. By analyzing gameplay data, CRESST determined which aspects of the games were most effective for learning, enabling PBS KIDS to refine their content for better educational outcomes.
Impact
One of the most significant achievements of the Learning Analytics Platform is its ability to generate custom reports for parents. These reports provide detailed insights into their child’s learning journey, helping parents identify and support their child’s individual needs. These reporting applications are well-received by parents, fostering a greater interest in monitoring and engaging with their children’s learning activities. This parental involvement is crucial for reinforcing the educational benefits of PBS KIDS content outside the digital environment.
The partnership between PBS KIDS and CRESST exemplifies a commitment to advancing state-of-the-art assessment and measurement solutions in support of children’s learning. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and research, we have created new methodologies for measuring learning through gameplay. This collaboration not only enhances the educational value of PBS KIDS content but also contributes to the broader field of educational assessment and analytics.
