simulations and games in e-learning ( chapter 16) ken koedinger 1

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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80

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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

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nsfe

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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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