InLiving Progression - taking learning one step further

I wrote about InLiving in my last post - a fantastic training tool where young people learn life skills through play. InLiving Progression takes this idea one step further. During the game the learner is told that certain skills may be helpful for their characters chosen career options (think barman and basic food hygiene). This helps to plant the seed that training may help you to get a job. At the end of the game the learner is congratulated for completing the game and given a prize - the opportunity to complete the courses that have been referred to during the game.

The learner is sent a web address via text. They go to the web page and complete a short form. Once complete the learner is allocated an individual user name and password (sent by text) which means that they can access their own training record. Their record has automatically been populated with the e-learning courses that their character has previously been asked to complete. Upon completion of each course the learner can print off a CPD accredited certificate for their CV.

As the training courses are internet based the learner can dip in and out around other commitments and complete their training at a pace to suit their individual style. They can also refresh their understanding whenever necessary. Perfect for those with busy lives!

Learning vs playing – is there a difference?

InLiving is a mobile phone game that has been developed as an up-to-date, accessible and engaging way to help young people think about the challenges of independent living. This interactive game tackles many of the problems associated with the realities and responsibilities of running a home for the first time. It can be compared to 'The Sims', but with a focus on learning.

Young people access the game by sending a text to a specified number. They then receive a text containing the download so that they can save the application to their phone. The game remains on their phone indefinitely - or until they get bored and delete it in favour of something else!

This game is a brilliant training tool - and pretty addictive! Users can choose what their character looks like and work through a variety of everyday tasks, making decisions on behalf of their character and (hopefully) learning from their mistakes. The beauty of the game is that you don't realise that you are completing a training course, you are simply playing a game.

The game was designed for young social housing tenants but the principle has now been applied to a variety of areas including freshers - I'm sure that students appreciate being reminded to eat properly and bathe from time to time...

'InLiving' from those clever bods at http://www.creativenorth.co.uk/