A quick overview, with beta access, to our statistics learning game, MarsU.

1. MarsU
A statistics game to supplement
learning
David Simkins
Assistant Professor
Rochester Institute of Technology
dwsigm@rit.edu
©2017 David Simkins

2. Welcome
To MarsU
©2017 David Simkins

3. Web-based, no downloads
Secure Student and Researcher Accounts
Saved position in games
Video lessons embedded
Pre-test and post-test embedded
Extensive logs for stealth assessment
©2017 David Simkins

4. Topic: Population and sample
Overall Learning goal: Identify and use
populations and samples in context.
Research question (informal):
1. Will using a complex role play simulation
help students learn intro statistics concepts
(population and sample)?
2. Will it help students retain them?
3. Will is help students apply them?
4. Above, but with DHH students
©2017 David Simkins

5. Engagement (time on task)
Context (concrete, applied)
Visual (graphs, visual cues)
Practice (repeat tasks with variation)
Multimodal (video, text, play)
Easy access (web)
Maintain personal data
Gather aggregate data
Research tools embedded (tests)
©2017 David Simkins

6. Interface may be confusing
Games are frustrating
Breaks some good game conventions
(limited feedback)
Cognitive overload
Decision paralysis
©2017 David Simkins

7. Game loop:
1. Poll
2. Take action (hours)
3. Identify parameters
4. Commit action
5. Play minigame (if appropriate)
6. End of Game? Go to 9
7. End of day? Return to 1
8. Return to 2
9. View final vote
©2017 David Simkins

8. Behind the scenes:
Record all actions
Use statistical model to determine
student opinions
Use statistical methods to gather
polling data
Use sampling with mean and
standard deviation to vary
parameters for each play.
©2017 David Simkins

9. Try the current production version at:
http://www.mars-u.org/
David Simkins
Assistant Professor
Rochester Institute of Technology
dwsigm@rit.edu
User : demoplayer1
PW: Password1
User : demoplayer2
PW: Password1
©2017 David Simkins