“Ready To Learn” Transmedia Demonstration Station Study: A Report to the CPB-PBS “Ready to Learn Initiative”

Summary

The 2012 Transmedia Demonstration Stations program study is part of the multiyear CPB-PBS Ready To Learn summative evaluation initiative by Education Development Center, Inc., (EDC) and SRI International (SRI). Through a series of related studies, we are documenting, and, whenever possible, measuring the impact of PBS KIDS transmedia mathematics and literacy resources on the learning activities and outcomes of children from low-income families and their adult caregivers in early childhood classrooms, community settings, and at home. The purpose of this context study is to understand better how national and local public media
organizations with their local partners are implementing educational outreach activities in communities across the country where children, educators, and families are using PBS KIDS transmedia content. The PBS KIDS transmedia vision is that, by having digital videos and games and supplementary print resources featuring the same PBS KIDS characters and character environments, telling stories or visiting themes across technology platforms (televisions, laptops, tablets, and phones), and playing out in different settings, children will have opportunities to engage deeply with Ready to Learn’s PBS KIDS content. Media producers, researchers, and increasingly educators are exploring how a transmedia orientation to production of and engagement with content can encourage high-quality learning experiences.