The Academic Edge

An innovative interactive STD awareness and prevention program for tweens and adolescents has been awarded a Spring 2005 Software Parents' Choice Gold Award from the Parents' Choice Foundation.

The program WSTDtv: Being informed is the first step to HIV/STD prevention was developed to educate middle school and early high school age learners about sexually transmitted diseases, social pressures, and risk awareness and reduction. WSTDtv was funded in part through a grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Set in the studios of the fictional WSTDtv television station, the educational CD-ROM includes a game show, talk show, newsroom, and actors' guild. Players answer questions about STD symptoms and risk, interact with a teenage talk show guest as she shares her experiences, create news segments on HIV/STD,and watch actors rehearse for an upcoming production on peer and societal pressures.

According to Richard Goldsworthy, CEO of The Academic Edge, Inc., "We have always known that WSTDtv was effective and that the learners loved using it, but having our peers recognize the innovation and value of our educational media further validates all of the time, effort, and research that went into developing the program."

Learners have said WSTDtv was good because it "gave me more awareness," "gets me involved instead of just sitting there listening to someone talk about it," "helps kids relate to it... like normal teenagers with actual problems."

Another participant noted that "if you are learning from your teacher, it is really lame because your teacher is old." While we aren't certain how the "old people" feel about being "lame," WSTDtv itself was considered "really cool."

The Parents' Choice Awards seal of approval is awarded to products that meet and exceed standards set by educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents, and yes, kids themselves. The Foundation's purpose is to search out and recommend fairly priced products that help kids grow — imaginatively, physically, morally and mentally — and that are fun, safe, and socially sound.

Founded in 1978, Parents' Choice is the nation's oldest not-for-profit consumer guide to quality children's media: books, toys, audios, software, television, videos, and magazines. The Foundation's mission is to impart solid information about the vast array of children's media products and toys that are on the market; helping parents and caregivers of all achievements and backgrounds make inormed decisions about which new products are right for their children.

For additional information about the awards and a description of the significance of each awards category, consult the Parents' Choice Foundation's web site (www.parents-choice.org).

Company Background

The Academic Edge, Inc., located in Bloomington, Indiana, creates innovative, media-rich learning environments to support children, adolescents, and adults. AEI performs state-of-the-art media research and development for the federal government, universities, and corporate clients. AEI has received many national awards, including Parent's Choice, BESSIE, CODiE, and All-Star Awards. Projects include the development of an interactive conflict resolution curriculum for middle schools, the creation of training and support media on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, the design of media to increase prevention of pressure ulcers in the home healthcare environment, and the development of new warning labels and instructional media to reduce exposure to birth defect inducing substances. More information may be found at www.academicedge.com.