Breakthroughs in Mobile Learning

The Challenge

The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop is challenging innovators to submit projects for children between the ages of 3-11 that push the current boundaries of mobile learning. Each project must include a prototype of the innovative educational experience.

A review of the opportunities and challenges in designing breakthroughs in mobile learning can be found by reading the Cooney Center’s recent review of the field entitled Pockets of Potential: Using Mobile Technologies to Promote Children’s Learning.

The Scoring

All projects will be evaluated using five key criteria, which will be equally weighted:

• Originality: Project is innovative, meaning a new idea, or an adaptation of an old idea in a unique new way.
• Contribution to the field of Mobile Learning: Project takes advantage of the unique affordances and opportunities offered by mobile learning, and addresses challenges that the field needs to overcome, as pointed to by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center's research and others'.
• Feasibility/Potential for Scale: Project has potential for broad scale impact, demonstrating that it has considered the feasibility of mass production, marketing and distribution.
• Educational Quality and Impact: Project is educational, engaging, and will appeal to children. It addresses a specific educational need as evidenced by solid research-based evidence, market data and other assessments of need. The originator has given clear and reasoned thought to how impact will be measured. Special consideration will be given to those innovations that can be used to advance learning for underserved populations.
• Applicant(s) experience and passion: Applicant(s) demonstrate expertise and passion for the field.

The Finalists

Up to five finalists will be selected to travel to E3 Expo to participate in a quick pitch competition before a distinguished jury, an audience of industry leaders and potential investors. The prize will be awarded at this event.

The Winner

The winner will receive:

• Funding: $50,000 to be put towards development of their project.
• Research: Our research team will work closely with the winners to document potential scalable outcomes of the innovation. We will consult on formative research to help develop the project.
• Expertise: Additional advice will be offered from experts who are skilled in mobile R&D.
• Partnership Development: We will introduce the winners to research and business partners who are interested in advancing digital innovations for children.
• Publicity: Recognition in press outreach and select publications.
• Networking: Winners will be invited to participate in the next Cooney Center Forum. This year's forum, Breakthrough Learning in a Digital Age, brought together the nation's top thought leaders in technology and education at Google's headquarters.

FAQs

What is meant by mobile learning?
Mobile learning refers to education that happens when the child is not at a fixed, predetermined location, or learning that happens when the learner takes advantage of the opportunities offered by mobile technologies. As long as a project encourages the learner to be mobile, you can apply for this prize.

What is meant by prototype?
The project must be at a stage where a field/market test can occur. Idea/concept stage projects will not be accepted. As part of the online application, you must submit a 5 slide presentation deck that illustrates your prototype. You can embed images and URLs into your deck.

Who do I contact with questions about this prize category?
If you have questions, email us at Mobile.Prize@SesameWorkshop.org.