The case studies: Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of my case study analysis of the data and observations from the kind volunteer researchers working in India. The final study from the group of four involved a drastically different role of the TVC in the family life. In this case (household BD), the TVC was a core element of the daily routine and was considered essential by the family as a learning tool. However, both game cartridges were encouraged to be played by the parents as they felt that standard educational games and tactile games could be used for learning. This may be influenced by the father who is a software professional. A large difference from the past families is the amount of income per month that this family makes, a whopping 10,000 Rs. This amounts to $216, more than three times that of household BC. It is apparent that being a software professional has contributed a large sum of money to this family as there is little evidence to suggest otherwise. Thus, this lends credibility to Playpower's goal of providing educational games to children that not only teach standard curriculum concepts, but also teach computer skills.

All things considered, this family is the most accepting of the TVC out of the four case studies. The family encourages both tactile and standard education, believing that play fosters learning. In this manner, the TVC plays a vital role in the daily life of this household. Looking at the monthly income as well, it is clear that the TVC has great potential to go beyond curriculum concepts, stretching into the realm of career training long before the youngest members of a family seek out a career. I would be interested to know what roles each family member plays and whether or not there exists any sort of formal structure in this family as seen in household BC. I would also be interested in the family's religious practices and how they would be affected if a religious figure were to be introduced into a game. For now though, there are positive signs emerging from our research department!

Harrison Lee