NBC News launches iCue

Cory Bergman May 5th, 2008

NBC has debuted iCue.com, a site that leverages NBC News archives to provide a free “collaborative learning community” for ages 13 and up. “There is tremendous opportunity to combine our vast resources of information with an audience that is hungry for it in an environment they are comfortable consuming it,” said NBC News President Steve Capus. NBC built the site in coordination with MIT’s Education Arcade.

Press release…

NEW YORK, May 5 /PRNewswire/ — NBC News today unveiled iCue
(http://www.icue.com), a free, online, collaborative learning community
informed by MIT research that incorporates gaming, discussion and video
resources in a fun and safe environment.

Created by NBC Learn, the educational arm of NBC News, for students and
lifelong learners ages 13 and up, iCue stands for Immerse, Connect,
Understand and Excel, inviting users to “immerse” themselves in self
directed and peer-supported active learning using hundreds of videos and
other resources from the NBC News archives; “connect” with friends and
peers through discussion forums, personal networks, and by sharing learning
resources, comments, thoughts, and insights; deepen their “understanding”
of core content through thought-provoking games and online challenges; and
“excel” in coursework or personal learning goals while building critical
thinking and 21st century communication skills. iCue is a dynamic and
content rich experience, immersing users in EdutainNet — education,
entertainment and peer networking.

“At NBC News, we have made a big commitment to working in the education
space, and this project is the most substantial one yet,” said NBC News
President, Steve Capus. “There is tremendous opportunity to combine our
vast resources of information with an audience that is hungry for it in an
environment they are comfortable consuming it. That, combined with the
technology of iCue which dramatically alters how video, digital content and
peer networking can be used to support student learning in a safe, engaging
virtual environment, makes this an incredibly exciting project.”

Designed using research from the MIT Education Arcade, a research group
devoted to integrating gaming and peer collaboration into traditional
learning activities and environments (http://www.educationarcade.org), iCue
offers an unrivaled learning platform — using patented technology of the
iCue CueCard — engaging members in authentic, natural learning by
incorporating both fun and education in an intuitive, safe and
peer-supported environment. The CueCard is a media player, flash card,
note-taking tool, and trading card. The patented “flip card” technology
allows users to watch streaming videos from NBC News and then “flip” the
CueCard over for additional information. Users can “snag” CueCards and
store them in personal resource libraries — or CueCard Stacks — customize
them using the “jot” feature to write thoughts and opinions, and exchange
comments about content with their iCue friends.

MIT is conducting a study to find out how iCue can help students learn
and build critical thinking and 21st century communication skills. “The new
media literacies are social skills and cultural competencies which young
people are acquiring informally through their engagement with games and
other virtual playgrounds,” said Henry Jenkins, Co-Director, MIT
Comparative Media Studies, which houses the MIT Education Arcade program.
“Young people are putting their heads together, comparing notes, pooling
knowledge, and tackling problems collectively that they would not be able
to master individually.”

Today’s launch has a politically-themed collection of games and
activities highlighting Decision ‘08. Over the summer of 2008, NBC Learn
will add content and course curriculum for U.S. History, U.S. Government
and Politics, and English Language and Composition. All content is aligned
with the education standards for Advanced Placement courses, yet the
material is appropriate for a wide range of high school and college level
history, government, civics, language arts, and writing classes.

iCue content includes hundreds of NBC News videos as well as hundreds
of images, letters, primary source materials, articles, cartoons, charts
and graphs and other non-video resources and content partners, including
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
(http://www.gilderlehrman.org).”Our peerless collection of American historical
documents will certainly enhance this innovative learning platform,” said
James G. Basker, President of the Institute.

NBC News has established rigorous privacy policies that set a new,
higher standard to ensure the safety and privacy of all members, especially
minors ages 13-17. Unlike other networking sites, user profile information
excludes full name, city, birth date, photos, or other personal details
that could be used to identify members outside the iCue environment, and
each user can decide with whom they want to share their profile
information. Members are encouraged to participate in robust discussions
and debate via the online Discussion Forums, but all communication takes
place in a safe, public environment moderated by NBC News staff. Members
agree to abide by Forum rules that prohibit flaming, bullying, obscenities
or inappropriate topics, or exchanges of personal information.

“NBC is committed to ensuring a safe, appropriate environment for all
members of iCue, including their audience of minors ages 13-17, while
encouraging the development of a dynamic and supportive community of
learners,” said Adam Jones, Senior Vice President of Network Development
and Chief Financial Officer, NBC News.