The brutality and freedom of the summer season is wrapping up and depending on your region, children are likely heading back to school. Both my kids returned last week because Japan offers a shamefully brief six weeks off in summer, forcing kids to attend class well into July and expecting them back in late August, all the while working on long-term homework assignments which hang over vacation like the sword of Damocles.
But enough about me and my Japanese/American household, we're on an entirely different archipelago this week as host Stuart Gipp and guest Dave Bulmer reflect upon and remember edutainment experiences from their youth in the U.K. Before kids could binge YouTube videos on handheld devices, parents and schools alike expected computers to teach the young a thing or two. Some programs successfully infused amusing games with actual educational value, while others strained to accomplish either of those goals.
Regardless, Stu and Dave both have plenty to share on the subject, much of it funny. Is it educational unto itself? I say yes!
Description: It’s about time to go back to school with stern taskmaster Stuart Gipp and mischievous but likeable head boy, Dave Bulmer, as they explore the ridiculously esoteric world of edu-tainment software.
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Artwork for this episode by Leeann Hamilton and editing thanks go to Greg Leahy.