Gaming

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Debuts Game-Based Study App

• By Joshua Bolkan
• 05/17/16

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) has launched StudyPop, a new iOS app designed to turn studying into a game.

Academic content for the app comes from the company's curricula for science, social studies, literature, reading and mathematics. Designed for two or more players, the app asks one player to hold up a device displaying a word or concept while other players give hints. The app can be used to challenge students in class or parents can play with their children at home.

"The StudyPop app contains seven to 20 subject areas within each grade level (3-12) and each subject includes 20 or more study words or concepts," according to a news release. "Players tilt the iOS device forward when the other players guess the answer correctly, or backward when they want to skip a word or concept. Each game lasts 60 seconds and a list of words, along with their definitions, is provided at the conclusion of the game."

"Research shows that there are strong links between creative play and learning development," said Mary Cullinane, chief content officer at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, in a prepared statement. "StudyPop utilizes these links to build an effective way for students to connect with their educational materials through digital media. Parents and teachers can also engage with their students' learning in a fun, game-based way, whether they are in the classroom or on a family road trip."