A Motivation to Learn

Rather than combating the omnipresent lure of video games and sports that dominate a child's landscape educators have now turned those two forces to their advantage. Kid's College, a web-based assessment and learning system, uses sports to reinforce skills with a video game format. It allows students to unlock new plays, players and stadiums as questions are answered correctly. Also included with the software is a virtual tour of St. John's.

The University's Athletic Department has partnered with Learning Through Sports of Birmingham, AL., to make this software available to schools throughout the tri-state area free of charge. During a recent press conference at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School, Jamaica, the software was unveiled to a group of eager students who found themselves quickly at home with it.

Rick Cole Jr., Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs, noted that this kind of outreach is what St. John's is all about. "Part of our mission is to engage in our community and to give back. And part of our St. John's mission is to teach our athletes and staff what it means to participate in the community." Mr. Cole added that this initiative is one in a series of outreach programs in which the Athletics Department has participated. 

Members of the St. John's University men's and women's basketball teams were on hand to support the unveiling and try out the software with the kids. Head women's basketball coach Kim Barnes observed that her student-athletes participate in many community activities because "we appreciate the support that youngsters give us, and our athletes want to spend some time with you."

She added that "(Kid's College) makes learning fun. You have an opportunity to get on the computer and play a game but you're learning at the same time. It's great."

The program is now available in 32 states across the country, according to Kids College CEO Brian Shulman, and covers K-8 language arts and mathematics. The curriculum correlates directly to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut state standards, and allows teachers to track their students' progress online.

"We wanted to create a program that was motivational and fun," Mr. Shulman stressed. "We all grew up on flash cards and number two pencils. Now students (learn) through an interactive tool where there's a reward if they do well and reinforcements to explain why they may not be doing well."

Students score baskets, goals or home runs if they answer questions correctly. If they answer incorrectly a series of reinforcements will appear to assist them. There are seven different sports games from which students can choose. "Before learning can take place there has to be a motivation to learn and we can help create that environment."

Head men's basketball coach Kevin Clark stressed that his players always strive to give back to the community. "As coaches we feel we have a certain responsibility to come back and educate young people." He added, "It's great for us to come here and have this opportunity to talk about education."

Coach Clark stressed that Kids College is "a great program, but it doesn't work by itself. Practice makes perfect. That's why we practice for games. Take advantage of the program. Put your time energy, and effort into it as you would anything else, and do everything 100 percent."