simulations and games in e-learning ( chapter 16) ken koedinger 1
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Simulations and Games in E-learning (Chapter 16)
Ken Koedinger
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Lessons About A/B Testing• Dan Siroker: The importance of A/B testing
Global optimization
Simulations and Games Topics
• What are Games & Simulations• Matching game types to learning goals• Use
– Proven strategies– Guidance & structure
• Manage complexity• Make relevance salient
Behavioral Activity
Low High
Psy
chol
ogic
al A
ctiv
ity
Low
Hig
h
Adapted from Stull & Mayer, 2007
Games and Learning
A fantasy theme game
Source: Entertainment Software Association, 2010 Report.
Sales of computer games
Source: Entertainment Software Association, 2010 Report.
Sales of video games
• A model of a real-world system• Responds in dynamic and rule-based ways to
user responses
What is a simulation ?
• A rule-based environment with goals• Responsive to learner actions• Challenging• Cumulative so the current state reflects previous actions and show progress toward goals
What is a game ?
From Biologica Project – http://biologica.Concord.org
Genetics simulation
From Biologica Project – http://biologica.Concord.org
Genetics game
• “Games are very motivating and have tremendous potential in education, but despite a rapid growth
in the research base, there is yet insufficient evidence to draw definitive conclusions.”
- Hannafin & Vermission, 2008.
Research vacuum
Research shift
Are games and simulations effective?
What features of games and
simulations lead to learning?
Value-added Research Approach
Value-added research approach
Game Version 2Game Version 1
Match game types to goals
LearningGoal
Role-Play
Strategy
ActionPuzzle
Adventure
Make learning essential to progress
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60
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80
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100
Per
cent
Cor
rect
Relevant Irrelevant
SD = Significantly DifferentEffect size = .65
SD
Make learning essential to progress
Belanich et al, 2004
• Incorporate Explanatory Feedback• Add Self-Explanation Questions
Build in proven instructional strategies
Incorporate explanatory feedback
Design-A-Plant Game
Which circuit has the higher flow rate? Which circuit has the higher flow rate? Select an explanationfor your answer below:
A. Base Version B. Self-Explanation Version
Add self-explanation questions
Circuit Game, Mayer & Johnson, 2010
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65
Pro
port
ion
Cor
rect
on
Tra
nsfe
r Te
st
Game + Basic GameSelf-explanationQuestions
SD
SD = Significantly DifferentEffect size = 1.0360
70
75
Better learning with SE questions
- Mayer & Johnson, 2010
Avoid discovery learning
From Biologica Project – http://biologica.Concord.org
Guidance for inquiry simulations
1. Change 1 geneon a single chromosome
2. Record dragon change:
3. Change paired gene oncorresponding chromosome
Boyle’s Law
This screen shows the relationshipbetween pressure and volume of a gas. You can observe how the volumeof the gas changes by using the pressure button.
5 10 15 20 25Concrete Version
Manage complexity
Boyle’s Law
This screen shows the relationshipbetween pressure and volume of a gas. You can observe how the volumeof the gas changes by using the pressure button.
5 10 15 20 25
Abstract Version
Manage complexity
Ensure ease of use
HAEMOSIM, Holzinger et al, 2009
Make relevance salient
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