Compelling coupling of entertainment and education! While I'm unsure if this tool would mesh with an in-person learning environment, it would definitely help students engage with practical application of core English concepts!
Community Review for Prodigy English
My Take
I really appreciate the representation that this game offers. Students may not be represented in all that they learn, but here, they will be able to create an avatar that reflects how they see themselves and complete academic activities with that reflection. The fantasy elements and bright color pallet of the game definitely generates interest and would hold students' attention.
The questions in the quizzes to harbor energy are really nice! I like that they give you definitions of key terms so that students know exactly what they are answering. While some of them are a bit repetitive, I believe that repetition is necessary to garner the basic skills that will help students absorb more complex concepts in higher grade levels.
How I Use It
Because this medium is largely entertainment-based, I fear that students would prioritize the customization process of their avatars, building their desired landscape, and engaging in un-academic activities rather than using this tool to practice core English lessons. I believe that students would likely answer the minimum number of questions to energize their avatar enough to complete the quests that they wish to go on rather than enriching their learning experience to its full potential.
That being said, I do think that Prodigy English is a valuable tool. If educators do not take student interests into account, their engagement and general interest will be low, and their enthusiasm for learning will be less than avid. Encouraging students to use this at home, showing it to parents, and assigning a certain amount of time to play this game for at-home work would be fulfilling.