Center for Social Research and Educational Development Affiliated with the University of Nicosia On Cruise and Hotel Edutainment: “Learning while having fun” Development of educational- entertaining programs (educational games)

Basic Concept The concept of edutainment (education-entertainment): Learning while playing Advantages: Parents have a chance to relax without distractions while knowing their children benefit and learn though playing and engaging in various activities within a safe, creative and educationally rich environment.

Programs adapt to on board or hotel needs and conditions Adaptation to the kids characteristics (age, ethnicity, parent profile). Adaptation to the facilities, staff and general schedule of the Cruise (available areas and staff, meal hours and other activities). Adaptation to the general point of interest of the Cruise destinations (for example traditional cuisine, local products, customs, monuments, flora-fauna of the area). Proposal: Development of educational - entertaining short programs (a few hours).

Basic program characteristics Children learn while engaging in hands-on, fun and well-structured play activities. The activities use simple and inexpensive materials. Emphasis on action with limited use of linguistic interactions due to multilingual groups of participants. Children cooperate with each other or/and parents (programs that also include parents can be developed). The programs always lead to tangible results and end products (constructions, posters, photographs, online posts, posts to a site or social media etc.).

Some indicative programs Shadow games. Children learn how shadows are created and try out creating strangely shaped shadows using everyday objects. Soufflé Mystery. Children get 4 different recipes for a chocolate soufflé. Only one is the right one. Teams follow their recipes to make their soufflés and search the chemistry behind every ingredient. Observing the stars-learning to navigate. Children watch the night sky and learn how to navigate using constellations. Making hot air balloons. Children use everyday materials to build and decorate hot air balloons. At night they let them float to light up the sky.

How programs are developed? The possibilities offered by the facilities and other points of interest (cruise theme or destination) are studied. The profile of the kids and families that normally join the cruise, is monitored. Staff experience concerning the cruise specifics, is valuable and taken into consideration. Proposals are made and the most appropriate concepts are chosen. The programs as well as the necessary educational material (printed or digital) are designed. Three to four programs per week is an appropriate number. The animator-educator is chosen and trained (it could be a member of the staff or an outside partner). After the pilot the program is updated accordingly. The program is being continuously evaluated by us and its users.

Program design team Educators Designers of educational programs in Museums (for example Children’s Museum). Pedagogy experts Designers and developers of educational materials

Two Examples Bubble Science Bubble Science Egg Drop Challenge

The program of “Bubble Science”

Bubble Science In this program kids learn about shapes, the properties of materials, and the colors of the rainbow while making giant bubbles!

The program of “Egg drop challenge” in a few minutes

In this program kids learn about gravity and make crush devices for a raw egg! Egg Drop Challenge

Programs Implementation Programs are integrated in the onboard or hotel schedule (specification of days and hours the programs will be offered). Programs are implemented once per day or in 2-3 sessions on a demand basis. 3-4 different programs per week in order to have variety. Possible need for adjustments according to age groups (toddlers, teenagers, kids and parents). Organization of parallel events based on the programs (for example contests, shows, posters- on board) Evaluation by kids and parents.

Advantages for the Cruise Line or the Hotel Make the on board or the visit experience more exciting by providing fun educational programs. Attract audiences of a highest educational status by offering Kids friendly and Eco-friendly cruises or hotel activities. Present a competitive advantage compared to cruises not offering such programs. Strengthen the corporate profile (integrate these programs in the corporate social responsibility initiative) through promotion of these programs to local, national, international media. Enrich everyday life on board by integrating events related to the programs for all passengers or hotel guests.