Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) and the Entertainment Software Association have backed a new $2 million open competition launched by the MacArthur Foundation to find creative ideas to transform learning using digital media.

The Digital Media and Learning Competition was announced by US President Barack Obama, who called for new efforts to reimagine and improve education in science and maths at a White House event earlier today.

Set to kick off on December 14, the competition challenges participants to build digital media experiences “that help young people interact, share, build, tinker, and explore in new and innovative ways”. One component of the competition, Game Changers, will see those competing create new game experiences using PS3 title LittleBigPlanet.

SCEA will also donate 1,000 PS3 systems and copies of LittleBigPlanet to libraries and community-based organisations in low-income communities.

“MacArthur is pleased to team with Sony and National Lab Day to encourage the next generation of innovators to focus on science, technology, engineering and math. Digital media, including games, are the learning labs of the future and this open competition encourages people to consider creative new ways to use digital media to create learning environments that are engaging, immersive and participatory,” said Connie Yowell, MacArthur’s director of education.

SCEA president Jack Tretton said: “This challenge truly embodies what’s possible when you place the learning tools and the opportunity into the hands of creative and imaginative minds. When leveraging the innovative technology of LittleBigPlanet and the PS3 system, both advanced and novice gamers have access to an open canvas to learn, build, and explore entirely new kinds of gaming experiences. They can also share their creations with millions of gamers around the world to play, rate, and review their levels. There’s no better training ground for anyone interested in digital media.”