Purdue News

September 26, 2003

Purdue to provide free sports-based educational program on Web

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Web-based learning program called Kid’s College, available at no charge to elementary and middle schools throughout Indiana, can help kids score in the classroom.

Designed by Learning Through Sports Inc, Kid's College offers Internet sports activities to teach math, language arts and life lessons using Purdue University logos and mascots. Its curriculum features K-8 grade-appropriate, multilevel game formats. The 1,300 questions meet Indiana state testing standards.

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Through Kid’s College, children participate in virtual games in which they can throw touchdown passes, hit home runs, drain three pointers, score the winning goal or lead a cheer for correct answers. They also "take classes" at Purdue and earn "diplomas" upon successful completion of a series of exercises. The games include "Touchdown Drive," "Soccer Score," "Home Run Derby," "Hardwood Hero" and "Cheerleading."

Virtual tours of the Purdue campus and video clips about Purdue are available. Teachers can access data on how individual students are performing.

Morgan Burke, director of intercollegiate athletics at Purdue, said Kid’s College makes learning fun.

"Young Boilermakers throughout Indiana will enjoy participating in Purdue-related games and activities while improving classroom skills in the process," Burke said. "Purdue is pleased to assist in educating the children of Indiana, who constitute our most promising state resource."

Don Gentry, Purdue vice provost for engagement, said Purdue welcomes the opportunity to make a direct impact on the quality of education at the elementary-school level.

"The university’s strategic plan calls for engagement-related initiatives just like this," Gentry said. "Reaching out to younger students is an important part of our educational mission."

Brian Shulman, CEO of Learning Through Sports Inc., based in Birmingham, Ala., noted that Purdue is the only university from Indiana featured on its software.

"Our company is very excited to be affiliated with Purdue University," Shulman said. "The university has exposed a wealth of relevant resources it is channeling into a focused effort to enhance academic achievement. Throughout the rural and urban communities of Indiana, teachers, students and parents continually look to institutions of higher learning to take a lead in education. Without a doubt, Purdue University answered the bell."

Kid’s College is available in English and Spanish in 30 states. Other Learning Through Sports partners include the Southeastern Conference, the PAC-10, Mountain West, Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University, East Carolina University and St. John’s University.

Schools interested in using the free Internet program can register and obtain a password through the Learning through Sports Web site at https://www.learningthroughsports.com. A CD-ROM version of the program can be purchased for home use for $19.95. Available in both PC and Macintosh versions, it also can be ordered through the Learning through Sports Web site or by calling the company at (205) 980-8970.

Robert Bernard, Intercollegiate Athletics marketing director, (765) 494- 8487, rgbernard@purdue.edu;

Don Gentry, (765) 494-9095, dkgentry@purdue.edu;

Brian Shulman, (205) 980-8970, bshulman@learningthroughsports.com