Publications & Resources

Supporting Children’s Progress Through the PBS KIDS Learning Analytics Platform

Mar 2016

Jeremy D. Roberts, Gregory K. W. K. Chung, and Charles B. Parks

A 2010–2015 Ready to Learn grant from the US Department of Education supported the research, development, and dissemination of PBS KIDS math and literacy content for kids aged 2–8, and new ways to measure and report on children’s learning. PBS KIDS, in collaboration with UCLA CRESST, developed a prototype learning analytics platform (LAP) to analyze back-end data from children’s interactions with PBS KIDS transmedia content, and provide custom reports to parents that enable them to better identify and support their child’s individual learning needs. Evidence suggests that the PBS KIDS prototype LAP demonstrates potential for assessment and prediction of mathematics performance, including on the TEMA-3 standardized assessment for early mathematics. Similarly, early research findings suggest that the reporting applications developed to provide LAP information are viewed favorably by parents and promote interest in learning more about, monitoring, and engaging with their kids around learning. Implications for the future are discussed.

Roberts, J. D., Chung, G. K. W. K., & Parks, C. B. (2016). Supporting children’s progress through the PBS KIDS learning analytics platform. Journal of Children and Media, 10(2), 257-266. doi:10.1080/17482798.2016.1140 489