PocketBlock is an online educational game that teaches kids ages eight and up about the basics of cryptography. Cryptography had a certain romantic allure back in World War II, when breaking the famous German 'Enigma' encryption system was one of the keys to victory, but the study of code-breaking is perhaps even more important now thanks to the wealth of digital data constantly flowing. PocketBlock makes something as abstruse as cryptography more easily digestible, increasing the potential for kids to gain an interest in the field.
The PocketBlock game is currently set up as a series of grids that allow players to convert messages into and out of coded sequences. And while real-world cryptography requires formal mathematical training, PocketBlock simplifies these high concepts, asking little more than basic arithmetic from its players.
What's Driving This Trend
- Educational Cryptography Games
- PocketBlock and similar educational games teach kids about cryptography, creating opportunities for gamified learning.
- Increased Interest in Cryptography
- The popularity of PocketBlock and other educational tools increases interest in cryptography, leading to potential growth in the field.
- Simplifying Complex Concepts
- PocketBlock's approach to simplifying cryptography concepts opens opportunities for creating educational tools that make complex subjects more digestible.
Who This Affects Most
- Edtech
- The rise of educational cryptography games like PocketBlock offers opportunities for innovation in the EdTech industry.
- Gaming
- The intersection of gaming and education, as demonstrated by PocketBlock, presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the gaming industry.
- Cybersecurity
- Increased interest in cryptography, driven by educational games like PocketBlock, creates potential for growth in the cybersecurity industry.
