Personalized online learning for children, courtesy of Curiosityville

The university's Office of Work, Life and Engagement is offering parents of young children the opportunity to participate in a pilot program for a digital learning initiative called Curiosityville.

Image caption: Rosie, a scientist, is among the cast of characters who guide children through playful activities in Curiosityville.

Curiosityville is a personalized online world for children ages 3 to 8 and their families, populated by a cast of characters who guide children through playful activities that build skills in 10 essential learning areas. As the children play, the program's data collection and analytical engine provides parents with personalized recommendations for their child's learning at home, online, and in the community.

You can learn more at www.curiosityville.com.

Curiosityville was launched by Susan Magsamen, director of interdisciplinary partnerships at the university's School of Medicine and Brain Science Institute. Magsamen will speak Tuesday about changes in the brain across the lifespan and their impact on learning as part of the Johns Hopkins Work and Family Fair at East Baltimore's Turner Concourse. Her talk begins at 11:30 a.m.

Magsamen talked about Curiosityville during an interview with The Baltimore Sun that appeared on Sept. 28.

Two hundred Johns Hopkins employees can enroll up to three children each in the Curiosityville pilot at a significantly reduced annual membership fee of $25; 50 of the spots are designated for employees who make less than $40,000 and will not require a membership fee.

To enroll, or for more information, visit http://www.hopkinsworklife.org/curiosityville or call 443-997-7000.