Osmo combines digital and analog learning with gamification with the Genius Starter Kit. We tested how well the concept works.

(Image: Martin Reche)

Test: Osmo Genius Starter Kit – learn by playing, play by learning Detection by reflector Stable hardware Interaction of hardware and software Conclusion and Test table The pleasant Connect with the useful, in this case play and learn, that’s what Osmo wants to make possible with its Genius Starter Kit on the tablet – without being forced to use the internet. The manufacturer puts a tablet holder, a reflector camera attachment and three bowls with game pieces and cards in the box. The idea: children use the haptic play utensils to operate the apps included in the kit. The selfie camera uses a clip-on reflector to record the analog inputs in its recording area and includes them in the educational games. The system identifies, for example, pen drawings on paper and composite number cards and recognizes whether a math problem has been solved correctly. The apps point out errors by the player and offer help.

With this system, Genius wants children from 6 – 10 playfully motivate for years to read, write, do arithmetic, do jigsaw puzzles, draw and do puzzles. The prerequisite for this is an iPad or Amazon Fire tablet, which can be inserted into the bracket supplied. Interested parties should definitely check the compatibility list before making a purchase, as the kit does not support all iPads and Fire tablets. Pure Android devices are generally not supported. For the test we used an iPad Pro 10. 5 and received active support from a second grader.

Detection by reflector The tablet holder is made of thick plastic, as is the clip-on reflector. This finds its place above the camera of the iPad and sits sufficiently tight: In the test, it could not be moved out of its position even by vigorous overhead shaking and yet removed again without exertion. The reflector directs the camera’s view of what is happening on the table in front of the iPad and does not capture the wider surroundings or the face of the playing child. The box also contains quick instructions and three plastic bowls containing number and letter playing cards as well as colorful puzzle pieces.

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Sign in and read Register now and read the article immediately More information about heise + Test: Osmo Genius Starter Kit – learn by playing, play by learning Detection by reflector Stable hardware Interaction of hardware and software Conclusion and Test table