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Update #25: "Robotics and STEM Badges Using NASA Content" Takes a Top Prize!
Team Solution from NASA, Pug Pharm, Project Whitecard, and CET Named a Winner in the Badges for Lifelong Learning Competition
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – March 2012
An international team entitled: "Robotics and STEM Badges Using NASA Content" was selected as a winner in the Badges for Lifelong Learning Competition. Khal Shariff of Project Whitecard Inc., with content focused on the official NASA Massively Multiplayer Game, Pug Pharm Productions Inc. (Pug Pharm), a Canadian leader in gamification and social engagement, Dr. Meri Cummings of the Center for Educational Technologies and Dr. Robert Starr of NASA delivered the winning pitch at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California.
The content was designed to find and inspire the most innovative uses of a "Digital Badges" in support of connected learning and was held in collaboration with Mozilla. It is part of the 4th Digital Media and Learning Competition supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and administered by HASTAC.
“We are pleased to be working with Pug Pharm and excited that our joint project, ‘Robotics and STEM Badges Using NASA Content,’ was chosen a winner in this highly competitive pool. Our project will support CET and draw upon NASA and the NASA MMO team to deliver information focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) content,” said Khal Shariff, CEO of Project Whitecard.
“This is a great validation of Pug Pharm’s innovative technology platform, which will support Project Whitecard’s design by managing badge award criteria, achievement measurement and assessment, mission performance tracking, social matchmaking, and user-management” said Steve Bocska, CEO of Pug Pharm.
The winners—awarded grants ranging from $25,000 to $175,000—demonstrate the wide range of approaches to, and uses for, digital badges and badge systems. They illustrate the potential of new technologies to improve academic achievement, economic opportunity and civic engagement. In the final round, thirty winners were selected from a highly competitive pool of 91 finalists.
A complete listing of the winners can be found at: http://dmlcompetition.net/Competition/4/winners.php,
with words on this team at: http://blog.mozilla.com/blog/2012/03/01/macarthur-foundation-competition-winners-will-use-mozilla-software-to-supercharge-learning/
About Project Whitecard
Project Whitecard (www.projectwhitecard.com) is a global leader in the development of simulation, training, and educational software. Employing ground-breaking technology and proprietary methods, Project Whitecard has established itself as a world class provider of compelling immersive training systems, using advanced interactive techniques to deliver highly complex learning materials in a new, simplified way. Project Whitecard has established itself as an international leader in the field of immersive learning, virtual training environments and interactive simulations. Project Whitecard is signatory to a Space Act Agreement with NASA, according the rights to develop the NASA STEM MMO, and rights to access NASA content and subject matter experts.
About Pug Pharm Productions Inc.
Incorporated in 2008, Pug Pharm Productions Inc. (www.pugpharm.com) is a Canadian leader in gamification and social engagement. M2 Research estimates that the gamification industry will generate $2.8 billion in revenues by 2016. Pug Pharm has a suite of products and services that harness the full potential of gamification, virtual-tem based gameplay, and social matchmaking systems to increase revenue, customer engagement, and brand awareness for its clients.
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For more information, please contact:
Jodi Regts
VP, Corporate Relations
jregts@pugpharm.com
604.831.5634
Khal Shariff
CEO, Project Whitecard Inc.
Director, Astronaut Academy
khal@projectwhitecard.com
http://www.projectwhitecard.com
204-269-0718
Update #24: Pugpharm has Joined the Effort: Here's a Press Release
Pug Pharm's Online Engagement Platform Enters Space with NASA's MMO Game
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Pug Pharm Productions Inc. (Pug Pharm), a Canadian leader in gamification and online social engagement, announced that its gameplay platform will power the official NASA game, Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond.
Pug Pharm has entered a strategic partnership with Project Whitecard Inc., which is one of three companies that won a contest sponsored by NASA to work together on its Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game.
"We are excited about working with Project Whitecard and thrilled that Pug Pharm was selected to provide the next-generation gamification and social networking engine for NASA's MMO website and game," said Steve Bocska, CEO of Pug Pharm.
"We're very pleased to be working with Pug Pharm. We have already generated some major excitement from 'mission control' with this first specialized website launch, and I expect our relationship to grow right into the full NASA MMO offering. This is the real Astronaut Academy of the future in many ways. It starts now, in 2011, with this important project," said Khal Shariff, CEO of Project Whitecard.
To learn more about Project Whitecard Inc, visit http://www.projectwhitecard.com.
About the NASA MMO
Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond is a massively multiplayer world in development to deliver exciting adventures with accurate science, technology, engineering and mathematics content while players vie to be the best and brightest Astronauts in the year 2035! Leading up to its first chapter, Astronaut Academy, players will participate online in special exploratory quests in a to-be-launched, first-of-its-kind "gamified" website. To find out more about Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond, visit http://www.astronautmmo.com.
About Pug Pharm Productions Inc.
Incorporated in 2008, Pug Pharm Productions Inc. (http://www.pugpharm.com) is a Canadian leader in gamification and social engagement. M2 Research estimates that the gamification industry will generate $1.6 billion in revenues by 2015. Pug Pharm has a suite of products and services -- including Snoget, the upcoming cross-platform, social networking game -- that harness the full potential of social networking technologies to increase revenue, customer engagement, and brand awareness for its clients.
Contact:
Jodi Regts
VP, Corporate Relations
jregts@pugpharm.com
604.831.5634
Khal Shariff
Director: Astronaut: Moon Mars and Beyond
Communications and Creative Lead
CEO, Project Whitecard Inc.
khal@projectwhitecard.com
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Khal Shariff on November 24, 2011
Yes.Starting the badging early, a press release, a TEDX talk, and the first round of T shirt's are in design (unseen Astronaut Academy campus T's).
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Update #22: HOORAY and THANK-YOU SO MUCH!
By the time many of you read this, it will be Tuesday the 11th of October, 2011, and the Kickstarter campaign for the official NASA MMO game has concluded. HUZZAH HUZZAH HUZZAH. So now The Adventure begins. That little Angels and Airwaves ditty above is now an official theme song for the game, so we hope you enjoy. Go ahead and hit play while you read the rest of this.
Thank-you very much, supporters, you've proven to us that with enough faith, and with people like you on our side, that we can do anything, such as run a more-than-successful Kickstarter campaign.
We go forth now with a tremendous task and responsibility. We've had contact from a lot of very interesting people you'll be hearing about in the next few weeks; we've had chats with many of you, and we'll be launching a new web-site very soon, that will start our "gamification" process.
Throughout the next few years, we'll be bringing you news, and updates - it's a big project. We thank-you for handing us our hat, and seeing us safely on our way, and thanks for the fun we've had these last few weeks with this little campaign. We've made a lot of friends: all of you!
Never give up on your hopes; always reach for the Stars, for the greatest journey starts with the idea that it is possible, and that we can get there together. Long ago, our ancestors gazed at the heavens and thought there must be distant campfires all through the sky. What strange people might live there? And might we visit there someday?
"Yes" we say. Thank-you for saying "yes" to us; it's a rare and great moment to share. Now let's go see what's out there, shall we?
Khal and Mitch and the Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond Team.
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Timothy Duffy on October 11, 2011
So exciting, I can't wait to be apart of it! Congrats on the successful KickStart! :D
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Commander Delta on October 11, 2011
Congratulations! Not only did you succeed, but you blew the goal right out of the water. Keep us updated as you move forward; we'll be looking forward to it!
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Update #21: Moonwalk Giveaway!
We're in the final days of our Kickstarter campaign and as an added incentive we will be giving away copies of the upcoming game Project Moonwalk to 50 lucky donors!
Project Moonwalk is an exciting videogame that allows you to train as an astronaut and walk in the footsteps of the 1969 Apollo 11 Mission. This game was designed to be used by ages 10 and up and big kids everywhere. Finally, a visit to the moon in an afternoon! Project Moonwalk is made with the Unreal Engine and will be released in Fall 2011. Included are the following levels and features:
- Soviet Sputnik Launch
- Kennedy's Speech at Rice
- Rocket Fueling and Test Launches
- Practice Lunar Module Vehicle
- Saturn V Launch
- Lunar Landing
- Flag Planting
- Laser Reflection Experiment
- Solar Wind
- Seismic Experiment
- Rock Collection
- Realistic, Accurate Landscapes
- Return to Earth
- Zoom Camera Picture Taking for Facebook
Everyone who makes a donation through our Kickstarter campaign will be eligible for the random drawing, so act now!
Project Moonwalk information and screenshots can be found at http://www.projectwhitecard.com/pwc/pwcdru/?q=image/tid/11
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Khal Shariff on October 6, 2011
If we said "the next 50 people" get X - we can do that. We want the awesome donors we have to be eligible, so let me check, Miles...
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Khal Shariff on October 6, 2011
Yes so from the FAQ:
There are some limitations on what can be offered as a reward. Investment and loan solicitations are forbidden, as are lotteries, raffles, sweepstakes, and coupons/discounts on future goods. See below for more.
What items are prohibited as rewards?Prohibited items include:
• Financial incentives, returns, and repayment
• Raffles, lotteries, and sweepstakes
• Coupons, discounts, and gift certificates
• Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
• Pornography
_____
As it is not a discount, but a freebie, and does not fall into any of the forbidden prizes, it's quite fine. Thanks for checking though.
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on October 11, 2011.
Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more
We love you. Plainly put, your $5 pledge means you care, and we will place your name into the credits of A:MMB under "Beautiful Dreamers", lit by the full moon.
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
The giver of the pledge will receive a founder's credit in Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond (all versions), a Beta invitation, and a single license for when the game comes out on your platform of choice - PC, Mac, iOS - (about half of retail). (Note - also includes the rewards from the previous categories).
Pledge $24 or more Pledge $24 or more
Okay - this is it: the sweet spot. By pledging your 24 dollars, we will cite you as a founder of the game in the credits, and when available, a Beta invitation, and we send you 2 keys for the full version of the game when it arrives and an exclusive collection of schwag, including an unlock key for special custom vehicles and a Space Ranger Elite™ collectible suit for your character in the game - exclusive to Kickstarter.com donors. See you. Out there. (Note - also includes the rewards from the previous categories).
Pledge $30 or more Pledge $30 or more
Pledge two licenses to a school. At this level we will earmark two license keys for students at a school, and include a card stating you as the Pledge: "may you enjoy this software in the spirit it was given. I share with you the joy of discovery and science." Wow - that's a great gift . Thanks. :) (Note - also includes the rewards from the previous categories).
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
Backers will receive a credit _in_game_ in the in-orbit, in-situ Hall of Fame wall as a founder of the Arthur C. Clarke Academy Space Station, and be mailed an exclusive signed official poster of the Astronaut Academy, an exclusive first-look beta invitation when available, targeted at PC computers, when available, and a license pair for when the game comes out. (Note - also includes the rewards from the previous categories).
Pledge $125 or more Pledge $125 or more
Sweet! You will appear _in_game_ as a 3D hologram member of Astronaut Academy Space Council (and mostly likely a secret Space Ranger). When the game launches you will receive instructions to unlock an Academy "First Flight" Space Suit, be mailed an exclusive signed official T-Shirt , and a license pair for when the game comes out on your platform of choice - PC, Mac, iOS - and collector's edition packaging. (Note - also includes the rewards from the previous categories).
Pledge $200 or more Pledge $200 or more
"Yo gang, the game on the no-grav court on this side of space is G-Ball, and to get your style in order, we're offering the first-ever Astronaut Academy NASA G-Ball Team Jersey. Choose from "Goddard," "Hawking," or "Turing" and be the first earthbound team members in the history of the game. It's all cool mate. You've got time to practice. You'll also get an exclusive first-look , a beta invitation when available, of course, a license pair for when the game is available on your platform of choice - PC, Mac, iOS - and your name on one of the walls in the G-Ball Astro-Sphere. And it's aaaaaaall G, Baby." -K-Bango, AAGB MVP 2029, Team Hawking. (Note - also includes the rewards from the previous categories).
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
If you know what a Letterman jacket is, then this prize is for you. An all-exclusive Arthur C. Clarke (AA) Academy Letterman Jacket, in space-blue and white, with logos emblazoned. Not only this - but for your trouble we'll put your likeness in the game as an Armstrong-Smythe Trophy winner on the walls of the Academy Pavilion (!) (Note - also includes the rewards from the previous categories).
Pledge $2,000 or more Pledge $2,000 or more
The first ever of it's kind: A Mars Duster. Emblazoned with an Academy wing-set, a NASA logo, and your local Mars Union leader's Dome Designation, this off-white, long-length cowboy-inspired jacket will keep the dust off your back, and your spacesuit on track. Nothing is cooler than a Mars Duster from Astronaut: Moon Mars and Beyond. Not only will you have a founder's key version of the game when it unlocks (fast-tracking your journey to Mars), we'll put you into the game as a non-player character, forever exploring those back-water plains of Mare-Incognitum. (Note - also includes the rewards from the previous categories).
Project By
Connected as Khal Shariff (590 friends)
Khal Shariff CEO, Project Whitecard Inc.
Khal Shariff, Founder and CEO of Project Whitecard Inc., is an award winning creative & technical talent. A much sought after speaker at industry and forward-looking events, such as the NASA Virtual Worlds Workshop, Khal maintains a very high profile in the industry, leads Serious Games Canada, and consults to a number of industry conferences.
Khal is the creative lead and author of the winning pitch for the NASA MMO, Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond, a project to be announced officially in late 2011. Khal is a 2011 finalist for Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the year.
Sonny Kirkley, Ph.D., CEO, WisdomTools Llc.
Dr. Sonny Kirkley is CEO at Information in Place, Inc. (IIPI) and WisdomTools. For over 15 years, Dr. Kirkley has served as the principal investigator on over $8.7 million of federal and state funded research grants including serious games and interactive learning projects with the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and a range of corporate clients. His latest focus is on designing, developing, and researching serious games for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)education and is leading the IIPI team on the NASA Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) game project. As part of his work in the area of serious games, Sonny co-developed the Mission Based Learning (MBL) approach to serious game module design, which is based on a problem based learning framework for both design and learning. This method is used to support designing instruction for integrating serious games and other advanced learning technologies into the curriculum and has been used in K-12, defense and corporate training and education.
When will the school of my choice get its copies of the game?