Read 180 is a Scholastic intervention program that aims to improve the reading level of kids in the US with a combination of different software, independent reading and group work.

It's been around since 1999 but only recently has it been adapted to include a layer of gaming to the learning process. Fast Company likens Read 180's new functionality to the way FourSquare utilises game mechanics to reward its users and present them with badges, or the way Nike apps let users track their progress and set goals.

Let's hope we can learn a lot more from many of the popular networks, games and software that we usually view as purely recreational. The more we analyse what makes certain things successful and popular online the more chance we have of applying these learnings to education.

Via Fast Company.