Using the MarsGame to teach STEM concepts

[mark.torpey@lmco.com]

Demo Title: Using the MarsGame to teach STEM concepts.

One-sentence layman's description: This demo will show the ADL True Game Based Learning Mars Game prototype as deployed on GENI. Mars Game is an Open Source web-based game that leverages HTML5 technologies in modern web browsers, with the goal of teaching basic programming and math concepts at the 8th-10th grade level.

Who should see this demo? Attendees interested in Education, US Ignite applications and learn more about Digital Game-based learning.

Demo description paragraph(s):

The True Game project is hypothesizing that Games can be effective learning tools of domain knowledge. The current perception of game-based educational applications revolves around the insertion of learning content into a graphics engine or virtual environment, in the belief that the simple use of a “game engine” will make the application more game-like, and thus more engaging and more effective. The problem with this approach is that it overlooks the key point: Games are captivating not because of improved visual quality or scoring, but because content – in the form of story and gameplay – is skillfully designed to be fun. With these ideas in mind, we developed and evaluated a prototype game that teaches ninth and tenth grade STEM concepts, specifically programming and math. We conducted a randomized control trial to evaluate whether the game improved students’ engagement and learning outcomes. We will demonstrate the game and its usage of the Virtual World Framework, a next generation web based collaboration platform.

List of equipment that will need AC connections (e.g. laptop, switch, monitor):

The demo runs on standard PC or Mac based machines, with the only significant requirement being a relatively modern / modest video card (as the game is 3d and utilizes WebGL). The web browser runs on the client machine, with the Game being hosted on a VWF-enabled Web Server, which we have several currently hosted on GENI. The prototype game is single-user, and is currently designed to download much of the game content at startup rather than during gameplay, so bandwidth and latency do not (yet) have a huge impact on gameplay (although they do effect startup time).

Total number of wired network connections (sum standard IP and VLAN connections): 1 standard IP

Number of wired layer 2 VLANs (if any): None Specify VLAN number, if known, approximate bandwidth, and whether tagged or untagged.

Number of wireless network connections (include required bandwidth if significant): none

Number of static addresses needed (if any): none

Monitor (y/n, specify VGA or DVI): One Specify resolution only if your software has resolution restrictions.

The game will play in any resolution, but the minimum is probably 1280x1024.

Number of posters (max size poster boards are 30" x 40"): 1

Special requests: Include any specific network connectivity needs (e.g. VLANs to a particular GENI location, projects you'd like to be near, etc.)

The game does have sound and is an important aspect of the demo – we will need speakers of some sort.

Changes made per Mark Torpey of Lockheed Martin

[peter.stickney@bbn.com]

We are now able to confirm the availability of your requested resources. Please update this ticket if you have any questions or concerns. See you in DC!

[hdempsey@bbn.com]

Mark is plannign to bring his own laptop and speakers.

[hdempsey@bbn.com]

This is aka "Virtual World Framework" on the USIgnite list.

[hdempsey@bbn.com]

PI requests HDMI output and HD monitor.

[hdempsey@bbn.com]

Entered 3 power in layout spreadsheet based on description above and assumption PI is not bringing a second monitor (mentioned as a possibility for showing videos that aren't the game in an email).

[hdempsey@bbn.com]

Mark will supply laptop and speakers. Sending the GWU shipping address to him separately.

[lnevers@bbn.com]

Modifying ticket summary to match the expected Demo Title.

[peter.stickney@bbn.com]

Thanks for joining us in DC this year. We hope everything worked as you expected.

Please feel free to update / append the wiki page for the Demo Night here:

​http://groups.geni.net/geni/wiki/GEC22Agenda/EveningDemoSession