After playing Poptropica for a couple weeks, I have come to the conclusion that using this game in the classroom would not be as beneficial to a child using this game at home as a supplement to information they have already been taught in school. This game in particular gives parents comfort knowing their child is playing in a safe and secure environment.
After reading Squire, I realize that as students are playing this game, they truly can become their character and feel as though they are personally traveling through the islands of different school subjects. The students are able to learn by doing.
I classify Poptropica as a sandbox game. The game provides an environment for the students to experience a low risk and safe game-play while using creative and exploratory elements. There are tutorials where the student is unable to fail, but rather learn the skills to participate in activities on other islands and then move to the next area when they feel competent within the game and their skills.
If I were a teacher, I would recommend this game to parents who are looking for safe ways to supplement classroom activities at home. It is a great source for parents and students to bond over academic materials at home.
Educational Technology in Athletics | L. Butler 