Leveling up learning one game at a time
BY GRANT FUNTILA | October 4, 2019
On its 20th year, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) finalized a partnership deal with STEAM Craft Edu, an education technology company that specializes in teaching STEAM skills using “serious games”.
Introducing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) to students is an effective way to give them a head start when it comes to the profession they want to pursue and help them prepare for the jobs that will soon exist in the future.
Game-based learning. Students playing the game “Planeteers” as part of their classes. (Photo by Steamcraft Edu)
Formed in 2016, STEAM Craft Edu’s goal is to make an impact on global education using a different way, in contrast to the traditional way of teaching. They have created a sustainable game-based educational platform that teaches critical thinking and analytical skills needed by the next generation. They encourage children to engage in “serious gaming”; maximizing their opportunity to learn while playing.
Their game-based learning platform, “Planeteers” is designed in collaboration with leading educators and is mapped to a comprehensive STEAM curriculum. Aimed for students from Grades 3-6, Planeteers kick started STEAM Craft Edu’s mission on 2017.
Planeteers is a 3D simulated, intergalactic sandbox adventure set in a newfound world similar to Earth. The students play as a Planeteer, a space explorer tasked with studying scientific phenomena and important discoveries to help restore their depleted home world. Together with their robot companion, “Socket”, the players can craft components, build almost anything they can imagine, and even code their creations.
Traditionalists may see the notion that games can be educational since Planeteers benefits both teachers and students. As a video game, it has the advantage of keeping kids engaged and interested. Teachers will also find it easier to incorporate lessons during play time, increasing retention. Through this game based educational platform, teaching and learning STEAM becomes a much smoother experience.
For an eye towards the future, STEAM Craft Edu has developed a unique way of learning. With the partnership, we hope that the mission of both STEAM Craft Edu and KCFI can be achieved through the medium of video games.