A Wichita startup has launched nationwide distribution for a game that helps students understand what employers want.
Knowledge as a Service Inc., inventors of the Ringorang habit formation software, have launched the app game across the U.S., which can be played on mobile devices or desktop computers.
“We launched a nationwide digital game tournament that targets the talent crisis,” Robert Feeney, chief vision officer of KaaS, said in a news release. “We started it here in Kansas as a way to make it fun and easy for students to adopt life skills, and now it’s helping launch students’ careers wherever they live.”
The game helps with foundational skills, including communication, time management, conflict resolution, dependability, mental health and innovation. Ringorang takes skills that are valued by employers and makes them into a teachable game.
The app helps students prepare for interviews and employment-related skills.
High school students can participate in the national tournament, which is called Future Ready. It’s played 1 minute at a time, between 1 to 3 minutes a day. The Ringorang app notifies students when an employability skills question is ready to be answered. Students work on adaptability, communication and cooperation.
There are different levels of competition, including most improved and highest performer. In addition, students can earn prizes like gift cards or merchandise.
WSU Tech and Goodwill Industries of Kansas have helped with the launch, according to the release. It is also partnering with Wichita Public Schools to help prepare graduating students for the workforce.
Secondary and post-secondary schools will be invited to join throughout the remainder of the school year.
Feeney said the solution to the employment crisis is being looked at through a "lens of a health crisis." Ringorang, he said in the release, can tackle difficult issues and make them engaging.
The game also helps with expectations, teaching students to understand what employers want and helping employers analyze the recruitment market.
KaaS has offices at the Garvey Center’s Page Court building in downtown Wichita.
According to the company website, the patented-app went through clinical trials with the U.S. government and national laboratories.
