I go to a lot of hearings, policy briefings and summits on Capitol Hill. The information and ideas presented oftentimes feel like a scene from “Groundhog Day.”
Last night at Microsoft’s second annual Capitol Hill Family Game Night, I saw the future, Kinect Star Wars, which will be available Christmas 2011. No controller is required; instead, the lightsaber is wielded by facial and body recognition.
Fred Humphries is Vice President, U.S. Government Affairs, Microsoft.
Humphries said:
This is an exciting time for growth and innovation. Families and friends of all ages are embracing innovative technologies that change how we come together, play and experience entertainment. With Kinect, your voice and gestures put you in control, and you can share those experiences within your community and around the world.
Humphries underscored the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) literacy:
We need talented people to continue to make these products.
Talented people like the members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, the next generation of innovators. The young people have developed games for Xbox 360 using Kodu Game Lab. There were some technical difficulties so I wasn’t able to play their games.
Dan Rauzi, Senior Director of Technology Programs for Boys & Girls Clubs of America, observed:
It’s so important we provide our young people with real-world experiences that will help them build a great future. Through our partnership with Microsoft we are able to introduce our members to technology in a fun, meaningful way.
Indeed, game-based learning helps give STEM a much-needed makeover. So let the games begin.
