I just learned about this project from an @IsumaTV tweet that points to a post on Stacey Aglok’s Puhitaq blog.
Ilinniarnaqsivuq / Time for School
From the concept document presented below: Time For School/Ilihaqta (working title) is an interactive storybook/game and learning application designed for Inuit children aged 3-7. Select from Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun and English, choose your character and get ready for school. Observe the weather and dress appropriately, be safe and have fun while learning and overcoming fears. Share your creations with friends and family and earn points for completing activities.
The Time For School storybook and game engages children through story and play. Available online and for download on computer (with potential CD distribution) and the iPad, the application invites children to immerse themselves in the story, interact with characters and media elements and learn about colours, numbers, syllabics/alphabet, animals, weather, shapes and more.
Time For School is directed at two primary audiences: young Inuit children (3-7 years old) and parents of young children. The focus of the project, to explore the actions and emotions in the story, as well as learning about colors, syllabics, numbers, etc. in Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun and Englsh, cater to Inuit and Inuinnait living in Nunavut, but also makes it a great tool for non-Inuit and others to learn basic terms and concepts in Nunavut’s native language(s). The regional uniqueness of the content and interactive educational elements also makes it an ideal tool for use in daycares and elementary schools across Nunavut.
