Envisioning, Creating, and Refining In-Game Learning Supports for Conceptual Physics Understanding

• In Event: 18.057 - Physics Playground, a Game for Learning: Demonstration and Posters

Abstract

One aim of the current research is to evaluate the effects of learning supports developed to support conceptual understanding of physics and enhance learning through successful gameplay of Physics Playground. In this poster the process of crafting the full version of supports is described, highlighting important revisions, additions, and decisions made to arrive at the current version of in-game learning supports.
The first version of supports included interactive tutorial videos (i.e., demonstrations with user trials) at the beginning of gameplay. The other supports were accessed by opening a sidebar labeled support kit in each game-level. The support kit contained four icons representing the types of supports (1) videos of level solutions, (2) mini physics lectures customized from Paul Hewitt’s physics videos, (3) a dictionary of relevant physics terms with real-world examples, and (4) advice about the physics to consider when solving a level.
Usability testing of the first version of in-game learning supports revealed many opportunities for improvement. Students did not notice the help tab and therefore were not accessing the supports. They were confused about the icons and what types of supports were available. The tutorials were too long and easily forgotten. In general, all supports needed to be more engaging and closely connected to gameplay.
The current version of in-game learning supports infused this feedback as well as feedback from an additional study into its design. Game tutorial supports were completely restructured. Now, the tutorials are game levels with textual overlays of explanations and visual guidance. In-game learning supports are accessed through a help button at the bottom right of the screen in each level. The help button, when clicked, displays three options: Show me the physics (conceptual physics supports), Show me a solution (gameplay hint or solution video), and Show me game tips (tutorial reminders). Players are also encouraged to view the supports after solving a level.
The redesigned conceptual physics supports include multiple representations for each physics concept. Game animations with interactive definition tasks were developed to build conceptual links between gameplay and physics terms. Also included are relevant formulas, a glossary, and Hewitt’s videos. Gameplay hints and the addition of tutorial reminders provide job aids for game mechanics and thus help with game-level solutions.
A final revision is the addition of an incentive system for the supports. Students are awarded a silver coin ($10) the first time they complete each of the tutorial levels. For solving a game-level, students earn a gold coin ($20) or a silver coin ($10) based on their solutions. Also, students who access the physics supports earn a silver coin (once per level). Previous evaluations revealed that viewing solutions may not positively influence learning. Therefore, we added a solution-accessing cost ($60) to minimize the use of this support. The game money is associated with game customization or personalization in that students can spend game money changing the background image, game music, or the look of the ball.

Authors

• Fengfeng Ke, Florida State University

• Valerie J. Shute, Florida State University

• Ginny Smith, Florida State University

• Zhichun Liu, Florida State University