About Connected Puzzles
First incubated at Kilbourne Group by Entrepreneur in Residence, Jon Melgaard, Connected Puzzles grew into a nonprofit initiative fiscally hosted by the FM Area Foundation of Fargo, ND. The idea of introducing puzzles to North Dakota students was originally conceived by Doug Burgum. As founder of the Kilbourne Group, he impresses the importance of respecting the past, having gratitude for the present, and inspiring the future. After seeing his own children learn through Montessori methods that embrace puzzles, Doug wanted to find a way for children across the state to learn about their local geography. Through a Kilbourne Group internship, he tasked his Entrepreneur in Residence, Jon Melgaard, to research and develop a fun, interactive tool that did just that.
As an undergraduate studying Nonprofit and Entrepreneurial Management at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Business, this was a perfect project for Jon. Jon started by researching best practices for interactive educational tools and prototyping puzzles. Though much of his research led him to consider developing a mobile app, he was hesitant to give students even more "screen time."
As an undergraduate studying Nonprofit and Entrepreneurial Management at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Business, this was a perfect project for Jon. Jon started by researching best practices for interactive educational tools and prototyping puzzles. Though much of his research led him to consider developing a mobile app, he was hesitant to give students even more "screen time."
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Being torn by the dichotomy of traditional and contemporary learning, he asked his mom how one might best blend the two. As an elementary school educator, she suggested using Quick Response (QR) technology. QR codes allow information to remain hidden until scanned by a smart device. By incorporating it into the puzzle, students would be able to play with a traditional wooden puzzle and, when they needed more information, could flip the puzzle pieces over, scan the code, and learn more about each county.
Once the design was finalized, Jon focused on raising awareness and funds for his initiative. He started by launching an Indiegogo crowdsource campaign that grossed $5,000. He continued garnering support by sharing the project with businesses and nonprofits that had an interest in celebrating North Dakota. In honor of North Dakota’s 125th Anniversary, Jon teamed up with 1st International Bank & Trust for the Connect ND Tour. They traveled to a handful of towns to share about the initiative, raise money, and meet people from across the state. Over the past year, Jon finished his fundraising efforts and, in partnership with the ND Teacher Center Network, began distributing puzzles to schools. By the end of 2015, every school in the state of North Dakota will have one of these special gifts. |
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The State Historical Society of North Dakota and the North Dakota Geographic Alliance will be long term partners that help ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
To see a list of Connected Puzzles supporters, please visit the Support page.
To see a list of Connected Puzzles supporters, please visit the Support page.
