Prodigy – Rohan Mahimker & Alex Peters

This is also my first time that I have heard of this program. As it is free, I am going to use it with my struggling grade nine students tomorrow that range from a grade 3 to 6 math level. I would need to make a much closer look if I had to pay for it for my students through.

Great outline of the program! Being the first time that I've heard about this program, I am impressed by the statistics that push toward the proficiency of students engagement and understanding in interacting with mathematical content. Both Rohan Mahimker and Alex Peters seem to have a firm understanding in the development of online educational software supported in credibility thanks to the fifty-thousand dollar grant provided by the Canadian Federal government. Although not an entirely new concept trying to motivate student engagement through personalized and game-driven software, Mahimker and Peters seem to have accessed a unique niche providing educators and students a medium of interaction that is meaningful and engaging. In addition, I believe that Mahimker and Peters have identified, at least in my own professional position, the pain point for several Canadian educators. Educators across Canada (and not all I am sure but this does seem to be affecting several across the country) are limited to software and servers that are Canadian based. This is due to privacy issues of students and storing information in areas that have different privacy laws. This program seems to address this problem in creating a platform in Canada. Both Mahimker and Peters are strong leaders of entrepreneurship in education software through a keen understanding of student engagement and teacher needs.

I admire that their ability identify a problem in education, in this case low engagement in math, and develop of a solution that appeals to that specific audience. When I heard about this game a few years back; however, I recall that the game was compatible with bio-sensor wristbands. Data collected from game play and these wristbands can help detect player boredom, excitation, frustration and engagement and allow the game to better adapt its content to meet individual learner needs. I’ve done a little searching and haven’t been able to find any recent articles or information on game play with the wristbands. I’m curious as to where Prodigy is in its journey with them. It seems when they started the company, there was a lot of publicity around its adaptive learning design but the more recent articles focus more on its MMORPG design. Although I have concerns about the wristbands’ marketability to the general student population, I could see their use in special education and their value in game and adapted learning design. I commend these young men for coming up with this blend of emerging trends (gamification, adapted learning) am curious to see where it goes. Source https://www.edsurge.com/news/math-product-tackles-adaptive-learning-with-sensors

I believe that Rohan Mahimker and Alex Peters are strong role models for entrepreneurs, as they are motivated, perseverant, resourceful motivated and believe in themselves, and in their project. These characteristics are made apparent by their encounter with Dragon's Den and subsequent funding initiatives. They know their market very well: they attract young learners by adding the gamification component and attract teachers and parents by providing individualized learning experience. They have clearly identified a pain point in the educational system and have planned out their venture very carefully to fill this need,

Rohan and Alex seem to have come up with a great idea and have a vision to see it successful. The gamification of math using a medium kids enjoy is not a new concept, but their implementation seems to be creative and high quality. In terms of education and business experience, it doesn't appear that either would possess overly impressive resumes. What does speak volumes as to their business savvy is the refusal to accept the Dragon's Den deal. These two are clearly motivated, focused and refuse to sell out. While neither fit the traditional model of a 'business man,' these two possess the innovative spirit to see things happen. With the proper support from a carefully picked board of directors, I could see Prodigy growing its user-base substantially.