Bowlby launches new program
WAYNESBURG – Eva K. Bowlby Public Library has partnered with the Allegheny County Library System to offer its younger patrons Questyinz v2.0. An online learning game, Questyinz invites kindergarten through fifth-grade students to engage in learning quests that blend encounters with books, educational websites, and real-world experiences.
A student adventure begins when they stop by the library to pick up their Questyinz game card. Once the student has his or her card, they can begin playing at home or on one of the library’s computers. Quests on the website complement Common Core State Standards and local curriculum, providing students opportunities to practice and enhance their skills during the summer.
Students also have the opportunity to interact with regional organizations, such as the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, through special partner quests.
Through Questyinz, students choose avatars and complete quests to earn badges and points towards virtual rewards for their clubhouse. Students can choose from a myriad of grade level topics in 17 categories, including Pittsburgh and My Neighborhood, which feature local themes.
First piloted in 2012, Questyinz is among the first summer learning programs nationally to address not only the need for summer reading, but the need for libraries to provide opportunities for youth to engage in a more holistic and modern understanding of literacy. Library programs for elementary school children tend to focus on the problem of “aliteracy” – being able to read, but lacking the motivation. This widespread problem often emerges during elementary school when negative attitudes toward reading traditionally begin.
Developed with support from the Claude W. Benedum Foundation, Grable Foundation, Praxair Foundation, and Verizon READS!, ACLA created Questyinz to utilize gaming to motivate reluctant readers while challenging prolific readers to discover new topics. Questyinz software was developed locally through the Idea Foundry.
Questyinz is an educational tool with relevance to libraries, schools, and out-of-school time providers nationwide. In its second iteration, ACLA plans to continue to enhance the experience of Questyinz by continually incorporating new features, content, and real world programs while building partnerships with schools and educational organizations. ACLA is a member of the Pittsburgh Kids + Creativity Network.