Innovative Online Content Combines Games with Video to Amp up Fun and Learning
Arlington, VA – April 18, 2011 –PBS KIDS today launches Play-Along Videos, a series of online videos for preschoolers that combine video shorts with interactive game play. Available on the PBS KIDS Video Player, the Play-Along Videos feature DINOSAUR TRAIN and SUPER WHY. In each Play-Along Video, kids interact with characters to help them complete tasks, such as matching items of the correct size or finding the right words to complete a sentence. An additional Play-Along Video will be available from THE CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! in early 2012.
“We are always looking for ways to make media more engaging by exploring new technology that fosters fun and learning,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children’s Media, PBS. “Initial research of our Play-Along Videos has been promising, and we are excited about the learning potential for this technology that effectively integrates the power of video and interactive gaming.”
PBSKIDS.org, ranked as the top kids’ site for free videos streamed for the past six months, according to comScore Video Metrix, is often the first internet experience for young children. The site attracts more than 9.5 million unique visitors per month, who spend an average of nearly 15 minutes on the site with a 72 percent repeat visitor rate (Google Analytics).
Play-Along Videos are designed to offer educational content supporting childhood development, including social emotional development, artistic expression, language development, and reading skills. The SUPER WHY Play-Along Video helps children build key literacy skills, including vocabulary and spelling. In the DINOSAUR TRAIN Play-Along Video, children build their science skills, exploring concepts such as investigation and dinosaur anatomy, while on a fossil excavation.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for children, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, online and community-based programs. More than 21 million children watch PBS KIDS on TV, and PBSKIDS.org, the number one kids’ entertainment site for free video streaming, attracts more than 9.5 million unique visitors per month (Neilsen NTI; comScore Video Metrix; Google Analytics). For more information on specific PBS KIDS programs supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit PBS.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.
Media Contacts:
Maria Vera, PBS; 703.739.3225; mvera@pbs.org
Caitlin Melnick, 360 Public Relations; 617.585.5775; cmelnick@360publicrelations.com
