Rochester, New York’s WXXI recently launched a new interactive website geared exclusively towards kids age six to ten—one of the fastest growing segments of Internet users. The site, WXXI.org/kids,is framed around PBS KIDS GO!’s award-winning children’s programs. The site brings together resources from PBS and WXXI for a fun,kid-friendly online experience.
“Kids are going online at younger and younger ages,” said Marion French,Assistant Vice President of Education and Interactive Services at WXXI.“They spend as much time online as they do watching traditional broadcast. It is important for WXXI to be where our young audience spends their time.”
At WXXI.org/kids, users can provide feedback and ask questions; watch PBS KIDS GO! shows online in addition to new WXXI video content like the Homework Hotline; and learn about upcoming events and WXXI shows.
Kids can also play a number of online gamesthat educate them about specific topics, like “State Fair” (U.S. geography), “Germinator” (science and health) and “Dollar-A-Glass”(math and economics). The games and website are designed to be captivating and appealing to kids, but also educational and appealing to parents.
“WXXI wanted to offer a unique online environment and content for elementary school aged children. We wanted kids to feel that the site was ‘just for kids,’” French said. “The site also supports our educational mission to provide a safe haven for kids to learn and have fun.”
WXXI.org/kids was made possible by a grant from PBS KIDS GO!, funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It has received more than 1300hits and 1070 unique visitors so far.
