iLearnWith program delivers fun and educational experience

We all know about the almost magical appeal that an iPad has for younger children. The bright screen, the intuitive interface and the easy-to-hold shape combine to make it the perfect device for young and inquisitive minds.

But how many of the thousands of apps that have been developed for the iPad deliver a truly educational experience? And how can we track our child’s response to such apps? Too many children's apps seem to be designed as a temporary distraction, providing parents with a much needed break but doing little for a child’s longer term developmental needs.

Tribal Nova, the developers behind the award-winning PBS KIDS PLAY! and CBC WONDERWORLD online learning programs, are trying to change all that with their groundbreaking ‘iLearnWith’ early childhood educational program. Designed exclusively for the iPad, iLearnWith is a game-based school readiness program catering to children 3-6 years old.

Not only does the iLearnWith program provide a fun and educational experience but it also tracks the child’s in-game achievements, adjusting the level of difficulty in order to adapt to a child’s specific developmental needs. Parents can monitor their child’s progress through e-mail alerts and compare it with children of similar ages. The program also recommends a personalized learning path for each child and incorporates rewards for ongoing achievements.

One of iLearnWith’s first apps was Planet Boing, a friendly space age environment in which a child interacts with playful aliens. Music, interactive gameplay and colorful animations combine to provide a fun experience, while building essential skills in math, science, literacy and more. Dozens of reward items are available as children progress through the game, motivating them to strive for higher levels and even more rewards.

This week iLearnWith adds to its app portfolio with iLearnWith Boing: Savannah Adventures, which asks kids to interact with cute animals as they learn counting, adding and subtraction, and other key math skills. Savannah is available at a special introductory price of $0.99 and 10% of all iLearnWith’s revenues are donated to Plan International to support their educational projects in Africa.

The Online Mom receives a fee for participating in certain promotional campaigns for iLearnWith.