Learning-Based Virtual World Available to Support Career Pathway Connections

Whyville is an educational Internet site geared toward preteens and teens. This learning-based virtual world helps students transition from middle and secondary to postsecondary education by engaging them in career exploration through games. The Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission funded Whyville to develop workforce-related games about advanced manufacturing and biotechnology. Whyville gaming activities are also used in Texas high schools and college programs to help students discover career pathways.

Some benefits for students and teachers include: raising student awareness about the importance of high school coursework; exposing students to college programs through gaming; preparing students to complete their high school plans; building connections to high school and college staff; and—for teachers—receiving free professional development about the use of gaming in the classroom. Whyville is available on PCs in participating classrooms. The program has won numerous awards for content and safety for kids on the Internet. For information on the program, contact Clint Zintgraff, DaVinci Minds, Inc. via e-mail:  cliffz@davinci-minds.com. To learn more about Whyville, please visit Whyville.net.