Slashdot Mirror

http://www.dragonboxapp.com/

How do I know how many people would be interested ? Where do I reach the nerd crowd ?

We make learning games that we intend to be as short as possible, for the benefits of the user. Our app model leads to lower ranking due to lower usage (compared to games designed to be addictive) and lower downloads (compared to free apps). We are considering to go towards free + unlockable, so that users can at least preview the games easily, but the consequences are very hard to predict and probably require a whole redesign of the games themselves with some features that are not necessarily in the pure benefits of the users. And we risk to scare the users who might compare us to free+consumable apps...

Years ago I wanted to purchase the original OLPC Give 1 Get 1 but wasn't able due to payment issues and not being in the US. I remember cursing on the 31st of December as I watched the deadlne pass.

So while this is very different from their first tablet, both in business model and openess, it still is something a bit different than most tablets offered by the competition.

<shamefull_plug> That's why we accepted to donate our kid educational software (DragonBox5+ / http://www.dragonboxapp.com/) to those who would purchase it.</shamefull_plug>

As a geek and open source user, I think there's still room for a more open platform. Especially in the educational space. Still we see that purely open initiative are hard to market/finance (think of the latest ubuntu phone). Hopefully they will be able to redo something more in the line of the first G1G1 tablets one day. As an entrepreneur, I hope to be able to give more as well.

I am part of the team that developers a multiplatform algebra teaching game for kids (DragonBox). The touch interface is very intuitive and practical for this type of applications. It allows very rapid & natural interaction, harder to emulate using keyboard&mouse for young users.

Dragon box is worth checking out.

I do not know the creator(s), but I am impressed with the work.

Shameless plug: for those who have kids a little bit older, DragonBox is our algebra educative game. And we're preparing the Linux version: http://support.dragonboxapp.com/forums/166049-general/suggestions/2946059-release-a-version-for-pc-either-linux-or-windows

Drop us a line if you think this is interesting!

As for personal advice, for 3yo: GCompris

"And it's never going to work on a device where you don't have a keyboard-type input."

Tablets have a keyboard. It's not just their main input. The touch screen is.

While Mr Gates is probably right that for higher education, the keyboard-type input is critical, we believe his prediction to be wrong for K-12. Younger students have other needs. Exploring, discovering have there a much bigger role.

New types of applications focusing on the touch screen can improve interaction with the students. As an example, we've developed a new type of game, where young students learn to solve equations by using simple input (click, drag&drop). Look up DragonBox. Check that Wired GeekDad review for further information.

Of course, "simply drop[ping] in tablet computers or other gadgets and hope change happen" isn't a good strategy. But for K-12, given appropriate applications, change of curriculum and teacher role, touch screen devices will have their role.

Disclaimer: I am obviously member of WeWantToKnow, hence the AC post...