Boise State University launches its first ever spin out firm, GoGo Labs.
US public university Boise State (BSU), based in Idaho, has launched its first ever spin out, education gaming GoGo Labs, utilising technologies developed at the University’s education technology faculty.
GoGo Labs said in a release that the firm is already attracting local, national, and international business, with 95% of its revenue coming from outside of Idaho.
Dr Lisa Dawley, founder of GoGo and a former professor and chair of BSU’s Department of Educational Technology, said that the licensing agreement is “a great example of the technology transfer program and faculty working together to strategically plan and support technology innovation and commercialization in the Treasure Valley. The spin-out is a culmination of two years of development and planning, and it feels fantastic to finally be at this point, working to support the ongoing evolution of the educational system in Idaho and beyond.”
GoGo uses a “quest-based” learning platform, 3D GameLab, which utilises game mechanics to create an alternate route to learner engagement. Assignments become “quests”, which students complete to earn points or badges, much like popular massively multiplayer online games such as World of Warcraft or Star Wars: The Old Republic. BSU said in its press release that “gamification” of education can improve learning outcomes, and provides an alternative for students who struggle with traditional education methods.
Teachers who have used 3D GameLab reported higher rates of work completion, 95% of students receiving A grades, and 65% of students choosing to quest after they received their grade.
“Boise State thrives on innovation,” said Bob Kustra, president of Boise State, “and this launch is a great by-product of that atmosphere and the mechanisms now in place to encourage entrepreneurship on our campus. And what a great new teaching tool. As any parent or grandparent knows, today’s kids ‘get’ games.”