The role of research and evaluation in Ready to Learn transmedia development. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cohen, Michael; Hadley, Martha; Marcial, Carmina
• Is Part Of: Journal of children and media. Volume 10:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 248
• Page End: 256
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Ready to Learn -- transmedia -- formative research -- summative evaluation -- randomized control trial -- children's media; Mass media and children -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Mass media and youth -- Periodicals; 302.23083
• DOI: 10.1080/17482798.2016.1140488
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-2798

Abstract

Abstract: Formative research and summative evaluation are required and essential components of 2010–2015 Ready to Learn (RTL) activity. Formative researchers are integral members of the media production team, working closely with the content creators, educators, animators, digital experts, and others. Findings from formative research with the target audience provide ongoing timely feedback to the production team during the development process. Summative evaluations using scientific randomized controlled trials yield strong evidence of the media product's educational effectiveness. Informing the development of educational transmedia products poses complex challenges for both formative and summative activities. A descriptive overview of and analytic reflection on RTL research and evaluation offer productive implications and raise important questions as future RTL media products and the educational media industry move increasingly toward transmedia.