"Gaming is an exciting learning tool and can be highly effective, depending on the audience and content," said Marcia Sitcoske, senior director of the Creative Learning Studios at Cisco. "The educational and interactive games in Packetville engage students and provide an entertaining learning experience."

Video games have already been incorporated into the daily routines of 65 percent of all U.S. households according to the Media Analysis Laboratory at Simon Fraser University. Packetville uses gaming to introduce and connect young people aged eight through fourteen to IT, encouraging them to explore technology and discover the many ways that IT helps individuals and communities around the world.

Packetville also includes valuable resources for parents, education administrators, instructors, and guidance counselors, including teaching aids and lesson plans mapped to International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards.

"This is a great opportunity for younger students to get involved in technology early," said Gene Longo, senior manager of the U.S. Cisco Networking Academy Program. "For many of these kids, Packetville may be their first introduction to the Internet. By engaging in fun activities, friendly characters, and games, students are given the opportunity to develop a positive perspective toward math, science, and IT.

In addition, students gain a broader outlook on technology-related careers while developing important life skills that will support them regardless of which education or career path they eventually choose to pursue in their higher education."