My daughter and I are full-throttle Wizards Unite participants. It is an augmented reality game along the lines of PokemonGo. In this game, played via an app on a smartphone or internet-connected device, knowing the wizarding world and the characters' back stories is helpful, but not required. Daughter and I are heavy-duty Rowling lovers. We both read the screenplay of "The Cursed Child" but have not seen the Newt Scamander movies. We have some catching up to do. The app combines information from all these sources in a multi-level, plot-based series of different kinds of challenges. Additionally, the user can become more adept at the challenges against foes by mastering lessons and finding secret information. It is an effective way to get me moving beyond just the numbers on my FitBit.
Unfortunately, the game requires access to wi-fi or data to play, as it is GPS-dependent. Our family has a limited data plan that we share across five people. That means that if we are trying to play the game, either we use up all the family's data, or we can only go to locations where wi-fi sign in is available, which may or may not be a location in the game. I am not going to complain about not being able to afford an unlimited data plan that would allow us to continue to progress through the game. What bothers me is thinking about how many kids will be talking about this game when they get back to school, and more importantly, those who will be eliminated from the conversation because having a data plan is not even in the realm of possibility for their family situation.
Is AT&T, one of the advertisers in the game, doing anything to offer discounts for those who legitimately cannot afford to play? I seriously doubt it. What about Warner Brothers, one of the development partners? Have they considered underwriting a program for underprivileged youth? Could there be a data-sharing program? Many public schools allow teachers to "bank" unused sick leave for those who have catastrophic issues to deal with. What if we could donate unused data to those who demonstrate need? This is a means of equity, offered in the same realm as donating frequent flier miles.
I don't know if this idea has any traction, but if I could wave my magic wand (Willow, 11 3/4, Pheonix feather, reasonably supple), I am confident the spell would work.
Unfortunately, the game requires access to wi-fi or data to play, as it is GPS-dependent. Our family has a limited data plan that we share across five people. That means that if we are trying to play the game, either we use up all the family's data, or we can only go to locations where wi-fi sign in is available, which may or may not be a location in the game. I am not going to complain about not being able to afford an unlimited data plan that would allow us to continue to progress through the game. What bothers me is thinking about how many kids will be talking about this game when they get back to school, and more importantly, those who will be eliminated from the conversation because having a data plan is not even in the realm of possibility for their family situation.
Is AT&T, one of the advertisers in the game, doing anything to offer discounts for those who legitimately cannot afford to play? I seriously doubt it. What about Warner Brothers, one of the development partners? Have they considered underwriting a program for underprivileged youth? Could there be a data-sharing program? Many public schools allow teachers to "bank" unused sick leave for those who have catastrophic issues to deal with. What if we could donate unused data to those who demonstrate need? This is a means of equity, offered in the same realm as donating frequent flier miles.
I don't know if this idea has any traction, but if I could wave my magic wand (Willow, 11 3/4, Pheonix feather, reasonably supple), I am confident the spell would work.