iPad Evaluation App
bv02 was selected to develop a portable application to facilitate early learning assessments of Aboriginal children, aged 3-6 years, in Saskatchewan. The mobile application was developed to run 4 different surveys (Teacher, Elder, Child, Caregiver), conducted by professionals. Since the survey was child-driven (ie. the child swiped or tapped him/herself) the flow and functionality of the survey had to be tested to reflect this audience. Furthermore, Wi-Fi access was limited in the target region. Data collected had to be stored locally on the iPad temporarily until it could be uploaded into a central database when Wi-Fi access was available.
A professional illustrator was engaged by bv02 to create a character for which the app would be based. This character, a turtle named Askî, would carry through from the device into classroom materials. We then purchased turtle puppets and hand sewed conductive thread through its nose to enable the turtle puppet itself to interact with the device and engage the children throughout the survey.
Based on the success of the app, we have now been engaged to roll it out across more divisions, and build a data visualization tool that ties into a feedback portal for parents and educators to view a 3-D visualization model of the data and learn how they can effect change within their community.
