Mister Rogers’ newest neighborhood is virtual.
PBS announced Tuesday it is starting an Internet service aimed at children ages 3 to 5.
The service, which includes a constantly changing group of interactive educational games, is called PBS Kids Play. The Arlington organization is charging $9.99 per month or $79 per year for it. The programming features popular characters such as Mister Rogers, Curious George and the Berenstain Bears, said Ben Grimley, senior director of interactive businesses for PBS.
“We’re offering a full curriculum where each game fits into a place,” said Grimley, adding that the games evolve to become more difficult as a child improves.
PBS tested the service for two months, allowing tens of thousands of families to try it and offer feedback, he said.
Grimley said the company’s offering is distinctive from other online content because of its strong focus on using games to achieve educational goals. He said he thinks parents will pay for that difference.
A number of local educational companies have announced new ventures targeting students. National Geographic, forexample, was the lead investor in a $5 million to $7 million round of funding for ePals, a Herndon company that runs a MySpace-like social-networking site for teachers and students.
For such ventures to be successful, it’s important to have an interactive component rather than static online content, according to Mark Cruthers, a teacher and educational consultant for such online learning platforms as WiZiQ.
“Kids are demanding that now,” he said, “and it’s important for teachers and other institutions to join the change.”
