Nitrospark launches games-based learning testbed at World of Learning
Leading games-based learning company, Nitrospark, has launched a unique ‘testbed’ which aims to overcome the limitations of product trials – and enable more meaningful pilot programmes.
At this month’s World of Learning Conference and Exhibition (WOLCE), Nitrospark has launched its innovative games-based learning ‘testbed’ – which allows organisations to more fully assess games-based learning, with a real-world training programme.
The programme offers controlled access to Nitrospark’s tools, at a vastly reduced rate, for three months. The aim, says Nitrospark’s managing director, Jim Piggot, is to give companies the time that’s really needed to properly evaluate games-based learning. “Free trials either don’t last long enough or are too limited,” says Piggot. “To really find out – in depth – about any kind of learning technology takes time. You can’t do it in a couple of weeks. What’s more, it needs to be used on a real project, genuine learning – which creates a chicken-and-egg situation.”
Nitrospark provides three days’ consulting, support and customisation services to ensure that organisations can get the most from its products, can deploy them in a meaningful learning situation – and can draw on Nitrospark’s expertise along the way.
Unlike many trial programmes, the game templates used are the full versions – and there is no limit set on the number of learners. Organisations get a customised version of Nitropanel (a control panel for both users and managers) along with unrestricted access to three proven games-based learning programmes – customised for the organisation – and unrestricted access to a Nitroworld environment, the company's 3D avatar-based virtual world (which can be customised for an additional fee).
The testbed costs £4,200 – a cost which is refunded in full if the organisation places an order for over £10,000 within a year of the testbed. “We wanted to provide a free trial,” says Piggot, “but the limitations mean that ‘free’ is also ‘worthless’. This is a real-world test – which can become free retrospectively. We don’t think there’s anything like it.”
The Nitrospark testbed is available now. To participate, organisations should contact Nitrospark’s Joe White on +44 (0) 207 268 3006 or e-mail [email protected].