Press Start Academy
We build immersive, game-based, facilitated learning adventures founded on 21st-century skills, and train teachers on how to do the same for their students.
What We Do
For the past 3 years, we have built award-winning, innovative, immersive game-based learning experiences for over 40 schools and institutions.
As learning designers, we believe that games are the best way to learn, and we use them as a tool for immersive learning through play. Our approach is scalable across age ranges and skill focuses, and our learning experiences are founded on a standardized 21st-century skills framework.
We prioritize creating interactive learning experiences in the analogue world, which removes a reliance on technology and platforms. Our focus is on maximizing intentionality and minimizing tech, so that we can keep equity at the forefront of our work and provide the highest-quality education through a process-oriented approach.
Our Approach
to Learning Experience Design
- Narrative, game and instructional design
- Inquiry-, project-based and student-centered learning
How can I design to maximize student agency?
Process
Tools
- Low-/no-code solutions, generative AI as partners
- Proprietary tech, SaaS tools edtech platforms
How can i realize my vision for teaching and learning?
Delivery
- Educators as facilitators and coaches
- Teachers as storytellers, narrators and Game Masters
How can I fulfill the potential of my classroom experience?
Our Design Considerations
In design: Learning first; in delivery: Fun first.
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Theme
We base our game- and narrative-driven learning experiences on real-world issues set in both realistic and fantastical settings we construct.
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Complexity
We scaffold knowledge and skills at different application levels through a structure akin to a game progression and leveling system.
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Strategy
We create safe spaces for students to experience adversity and develop resilience through engaging with unpredictable outcomes and creating strategies.
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Interaction
Our live sessions foster player interaction and encourages student communication and collaboration, extending outside the classroom.
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Competitiveness
We tap into our students’ innate keenness for competition and encourage them to creatively apply skills and knowledge in their pursuit of victory.
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Objectives
We design all our curriculum around clear learning objectives, development criteria and deliverables, and empower students to achieve them.
