The botlogic group is working to inspire the next generation of programmers. An estimated 1.4 million programming jobs will be available in 2020 with only 400,000 computer science students to perform those jobs. Because of this shocking gap the botlogic creators built a game that exposes children to the basics of programming, hoping to inspire the programmers who will help to bring about the next fifty years of innovation.
Free to play content is already available on the company website, while the current botlogic Kickstarter campaign is seeking funds to optimize and expand the current user experience and create curriculum for educators.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bradwedell/botlogicus-a-game-that-gets-kids-excited-to-progra
The main team consists of a software developer, a graphics professional, a project manager with a background in education and a marketing professional. Their huge advisory council boasts people from education, industry and more importantly innovators and entrepreneurs.
botlogic wants to develop skills in logic and spatial awareness through gaming. The higher level content isn’t introduced as programming but game goals for the users to develop and meet. When these concepts are introduced in a fun way the hope is that students will flock to programming in later years. The game can be tuned to students from preschool to college age with different goals and challenges.
Initial funding for the app was won when Dolphin Micro sponsored a contest to find out which of several apps could gain the most pre-launch support. The team built a game designed to be engaging and entertaining for students and adults.
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bradwedell/botlogicus-a-game-that-gets-kids-excited-to-progra
Building a curriculum around the software and giving educators already created lesson plans and activities will go a long way in the acceptance of the software in schools. My home state of Michigan like many others now requires four years of math and three years of science for students to graduate from high school. Any tools that will help students to engage in studying STEM subjects will be welcome.
Kickstarter campaigns always feel better to me if a slick professional spin has been placed onto something that is developed but needs funding to reach a new level of exposure or production. This campaign has obviously been through initial funding and development rounds and is ready to break through to new frontiers.