MIT-Ubiq-Games_HHL2009
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This document discusses using participatory simulations (pSims) and ubiquitous games (UbiqGames) to teach complex systems through gaming. pSims are computer simulations that engage learners through social interaction and technology. Examples described include genetics and economics games. UbiqGames are casual, mobile, and multiplayer games designed to fit into schedules and reach many learners. Games discussed include Weatherlings, which teaches weather prediction through battling virtual creatures, and Palmagotchi, a virtual pet game that teaches biology concepts. Data snapshots from trials of these games are provided.
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MIT-Ubiq-Games_HHL2009
- 1. Gaming Together to Learn Together: PSims & UbiqGames for Learning Complex Systems MIT STEP (Scheller Teacher Education Program) http://education.mit.edu www.educationarcade.org Jennifer Groff US-UK Fulbright Scholar jennifer_groff@mail.harvard.edu
- 4. Gaming Together to Learn Together: PSims & UbiqGames for Learning Complex Systems
- 5. Participatory Simulations pSims Engage learners in computer mediated simulations Provide rich learning experiences where technology and social interaction are key Use relatively simple and cheap technologies (Palms<$100) and IR peer to peer communication
- 6. Examples from the lab... pSims Live Long and Prosper (a.k.a. Genetics) • Can you decode a genome so that you can live long and prosper? • Can you apply the genetic analysis you learned on paper? Sugar and Spice • Economics-Trading • Negotiation, optimizing trade strategies Big Fish - Little Fish • Resource Management Virus, Tit-for-Tat, Networks…
- 7. Customization in the Classroom pSims • Preferences screen • Typically accessed by teacher to: • Pre-set underlying model • Prevent students from altering model/ cheating • Secret code is ?!? • Preferences can be BEAMED from one Palm to another
- 8. Why Handhelds? Portability Social Interactivity Context Sensitivity Connectivity Individuality
- 9. Design Principles pSims • Fostering learning • Integrating games and learning • Facilitating peer to peer / social interaction • Balancing collaboration and competition • Relying on action off computers • Varying timescale • Having fun
- 10. Learning Goals pSims K-16 • Engage in authentic science • Foster collaborative learning • Capitalize on game play motivation • Solve complex problems with complex solutions Informal Education • Encourage deeper and broader interaction • Connect and collaborate with others Training • Promote teamwork and collaboration • Facilitate role playing • Provide new perspectives on real problems • Allow safe play •
- 11. Sample pSims The Virus Game • 1 Palm = 1 Person • Enter unique name (ABC=keyboard) To Meet someone: • Align Palm IR ports on both machines (4 - 12 inches apart) • One (and only one) of you hit “Meet” button • If successful, their name will appear in your list (in the order you met them)
- 12. Palmagotchi Anytime, Anywhere Virtual pets with Biology Birds and flowers Like Darwin’s Finches in the Galapagos
- 13. Palmagotchi Game Play • Foraging • Mating • Managing Risks
- 14. Palmagotchi Results Pilot studies in two biology classes Caring about creatures (“sort of alive” - Turkle) Led to pursuit of strategies for success and learning about evolution Evolution is dynamic and depends on the environment Demand for “mini-games” Needs a more ubiquitous platform
- 15. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 16. Weatherlings UbiqGames Features Multiplayer Single Player Web-based Collaborative First Game Pokemon + Weather Prediction Maintain creatures and battle creatures Impacted by “arena weather”
- 17. Weatherlings UbiqGames http://hlc.mitstep.org/weather click on “Sign up!” code: hlcgame
- 18. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 19. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 20. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 21. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 22. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 23. Palmagotchi How to Battle UbiqGames DRAW phase • four cards maximum at one time PLAY phase • make a forecast - attack won't take place for another six hours • play the card you think will adapt best to the situation ATTACK phase • examine the weather data, make a prediction (3 hours from now) • select a Weatherling from your field and the move that you think will work best under those conditions • select the opponent’s Weatherling you want to target Note: Weatherlings will take extra damage if their affinity is weakened by the weather condition so lookout for those opportunities!
- 24. Palmagotchi How to Battle UbiqGames Scoring • One-tenth (rounded down) of the total damage or healing will be added to your score • You score 10 extra points for sidelining an opponent's creature and 20 extra points for attacking the opponent directly Ending • The battle ends after the ATTACK phase of the final round. • Most points WINS!
- 25. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 26. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 27. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 28. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 29. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 30. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 31. Weatherlings UbiqGames
- 32. Palmagotchi How to Battle UbiqGames DRAW phase • four cards maximum at one time PLAY phase • make a forecast - attack won't take place for another six hours • play the card you think will adapt best to the situation ATTACK phase • examine the weather data, make a prediction (3 hours from now) • select a Weatherling from your field and the move that you think will work best under those conditions • select the opponent’s Weatherling you want to target Note: Weatherlings will take extra damage if their affinity is weakened by the weather condition so lookout for those opportunities!
- 33. Weatherlings UbiqGames Data snapshot – 3 days x 20 kids 200 battles 1250 battle rounds 2250 forecasts 5000 weather data points 980 cards = learning time
- 34. UbiqBio UbiqGames
- 35. What they are: pSims Casual, Mobile & Multiplayer CASUAL (not shallow) Ubiq Games Short bursts of game play: Able to fit into schedules & Shallow learning curve: Accessible to all MOBILE Play anytime and anywhere: Can reach many players on many platforms MULTIPLAYER Interactions are rich and complex: Facilitates collaboration and competition = Games “in” class
- 36. Gaming Together to Learn Together: Participatory Simulations & UbiqGames for Learning Complex Systems Jennifer Groff US-UK Fulbright Scholar jennifer_groff@mail.harvard.edu MIT STEP (Scheller Teacher Education Program) http://education.mit.edu www.educationarcade.org