Feedback on the MacArthur Foundation Application

The idea for KinderPort was presented to the MacArthur Foundation in conjunction with their call or Digital Learning Labs.

The purpose of this Blog is to discuss the project and the current the MacArthur proposal abstract, and ultimately to improve both.


Overview of the MacArthur Process:


Now - mid February: OPEN REVIEW period. This means, the abstract is on the MacArthur website for general review and comment.

On the website, itself, this means mostly *positive* comments and feedback, which is also read by reviewers. It also appears that the more comments you have, your application advances to the top of the earlier pages... of all 91 pages.

My personal interpretation was this means solicit ALL feedback - positive, negative, good, bad and ugly, which I am doing through this blog.

Your feedback on greatly appreciate your feedback on the content below.

The EXACT abstract submission is below.

KinderPort is a virtual learning lab and online portal that aims to help children learn the languages of their home and community, be ready for school and explore the world. 75% of the world's population speaks more than one language. By 2010, 40% of newborns in Europe will have immigrant or foreign parents. Studies in education, psychology and neuroscience have shown the unique advantages that very young children (0-4 years) have in learning multiple languages, as well as cognitive and developmental benefits for learning in general.

KinderPort is designed for the “early learner” (age 0-6), but recognizes the integral role of carers, parents, siblings and educators in engaged learning. As a learning lab, we first collect user-generated content that reflects the child’s perspective and learning context. Children, accompanied by carers / educators, capture and contribute child-centric content (e.g. photos, video and audio files), as they walk through the neighborhood and experience society, science and technology in everyday life. Content is used to create age-appropriate games, either designed within the lab or by carers/educators who share games they have designed with their children. Monolingual and multilingual games can be played online and/or offline (i.e. PDF files that can be used by parents, grandparents and teachers alike). Songs, stories and resources are also accessible. Each item – game, song or text - is rated and reviewed by the user community, as well as by a panel of education experts.

KinderPort is grounded in international educational research. It addresses the reported need for a teacher to dissemble a book to integrate a volunteer parent’s translation for her diverse classroom, be it Somali in Minneapolis or Bengali in London. It also meets the desire of parents and governments alike for kids to be ready for local school and love discovery.

Feedback  is welcome here - on this Blog (ideally before 15th Feb)

Please provide your comments, thoughts and ideas about what you like, dislike, etc. on this blog. The goal here is for this project to go forward. Feedback and constructive comments will help to push it forward in a way that increases impact.

You can also post a comment on the MacArthur Foundation website, by clicking here and entering "KinderPort" in the search box.

Between 3rd February and 15th February the resubmission of original abstracts is encouraged - words can be changed, and more importantly, partners can be added.

15th February: is the beginning of the review and selection process.

In the meantime, I'll be posting more about the research and ideas behind the proposal. Frankly, you might find some of this even more interesting that what is stated in the above 300 words.

Looking forward to hearing from you - both feedback and potential interest in partnerships.


Many thanks,


Kimberly Ochs