The Design of Educational Materials

So much of educational materials are created in a very traditional manner- primarily words and pictures, presented in an academic manner; textbooks. Even when we aren't creating a textbook, we often model educational material off of a textbook. Part of the challenge of creating educational materials, especially ones that are voluntarily engaged in, is making sure it does not look or feel like a textbook.

Parts of my app feels very much like a textbook, and parts don't. However, there are very few parts that couldn't be done in a book. This is one of the dangers of rushing to developing educational materials for new technology. If we are using technology to just create a digital version of what already exists, are we really going to reach anyone new? Perhaps a few as it may increase availability and ease to access... but will it be now utilized by a significant percentage of people?

Trying to get the app published has been one of my biggest concerns, but if it hadn't perhaps I'd of been able to spent more time on the design, or adding content of differing design that create a more varied experience for the user and potential learners.

The most successful apps are games, and people actually often learn a lot from games, especially children. We say science is hard because it is liking learning a new language, but look at how many kids can easily identify hundreds of pokemon, their types, moves, and weaknesses. Instead of having children learn make believe, what if they learned real things, and if it was presented in a way that they would readily want to learn them?

Following the completion of this project, I'm considering studying game design to create several educational games focusing on science content.

Temporary Completion of App

I originally intended to finish the content earlier, but the time spent trying to publish the app has pushed other things back. It was also my intent to have more content than what's finished, but I didn't expect to spend so many hours fighting with the certificates for submission.

The completed content can be seen below. In previous videos and screenshots, I had left what was incomplete as light grey. Based on what I've read, a great way to get an App rejected during the approval process is by making it look unfinished- as such I've removed traces of what is yet to be completed. I'd like to get it added in at some point, once I figure out how to get the submission to go through (which may require rebuilding the whole app).

At this point, I also have to begin working on the report that goes with the App, so additional content will be on hiatus until after the report is complete and at least some form of the app makes into onto the App store.