Humanities Education for Distance Learning for High School Students: Leveraging Digital Connection and Game-based Learning

FAIN: AH-275671-20

iThrive Games Foundation (Newton, MA 02464-1014)
Susan E. Rivers (Project Director: May 2020 to May 2024)

iThrive Games Foundation embeds social and emotional learning into academic humanities content, delivering that content to teens through game-based curricula and role-playing simulations. Our iThrive Sim programs, the focus of this proposal, are role-playing simulations that make U.S. government and history come alive for students. We propose to complete three new three-episode scenarios for online, distance learning, one set in a fictional pandemic (Lives in Balance), one addressing media literacy (The Scoop) and one addressing the powers and authority granted by the U.S. Constitution (Constitution in Action).

Media Coverage

iThrive Games Named a Finalist for EdTech Awards 2021 (Media Coverage)
Publication: PR Newswire
Date: 4/6/2021
Abstract: iThrive Sim is an EdTech Awards 2021 finalist in the categories of Games for Learning/Simulation Solution and New Products and Services. Created by iThrive Games and developed in partnership with the makers of the Situation Room Experience, the civics-based role-playing simulation features scenarios that make civics come alive for teens.
URL: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ithrive-games-named-a-finalist-for-edtech-awards-2021-301263267.html

iThrive Sim Programming (Review)
Publication: World Affairs Council of Philadelphia
Date: 12/14/2021
Abstract: The Council, in partnership with iThrive Games Foundation, will offer iThrive Sim Programming for our high school audience: a series of innovative, game-based simulations that are structured to engage students in educational role-playing online. Facilitated through iThrive's unique interface, students are forced to contend with conflicting information from multiple sources including politicians, content-area experts, journalists, and the voice of the people. The information changes quickly and forces students to advocate their positions, negotiate, and compromise to take care of both their constituents and the nation.
URL: https://wacphila.org/education/high-school-programs/ithrive

iThrive Sim Named a 2021 GLAMi Award Winner (Media Coverage)
Publication: The Associated Press
Date: 4/29/2021
Abstract: iThrive Sim won the bronze award in the GLAMi Award 2021′s Interactive and Immersive category. Created by iThrive Games in partnership with Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, iThrive Sim is an innovative virtual augmented reality experience that provides an opportunity for meaningful and engaging learning. The sim is currently used with museum-based, hybrid, and virtual visitors, and in traditional educational spaces.
URL: https://apnews.com/press-release/pr-newswire/health-coronavirus-travel-lifestyle-cdb78722fb309b7eb180f5d611a2ae67