Describe in detail the measurement tools you used for Cycle 1 such as quantitative, qualitative or a mixed approach.
I have decided to use a mix of quantitative and qualitative data. My quantitative data consists of two surveys. The first was given to teacher and concerned their attitude towards games and what if anything prevents them from using them in the classroom. The second survey was for students. It asked them their level of experience in games and if they would enjoy educational simulation games as an alternative to traditional class learning. The second part, which is the qualitative part is a series of interviews with both teachers and students about their experience with educational simulation games. In particular, the game “Immune Attack.”
Describe, synthesize, and compare the data found for Cycle 1 and Cycle 2. If Cycle 2 is not complete, please talk about what your predictions will be!
My cycle 2 is not complete. The data I collected during cycle one will not change for cycle two. I do plan to try the surveys again. I was disappointed with teacher responses for cycle one. I had a 50% response to my survey. The only major change is that I am going to introduce a new game that is very similar to Immune Attack.” The reason for a second game is that the teacher I am working with found another site that has medical games. She felt the new game aligns closer to her curriculum.
What were the learner response comparisons and the researcher reflections about the cycles?
The student feedback was positive. They definitely enjoyed the game better than a lecture. Most students preferred to play with two to three players in a group. The students did not enjoy it as much when they played individually. They liked to talk to each other and ask questions. It also helped that there was more than one set of eyes to watch the action on the screen.
As a masters student, you are expected to utilize the tools given in sync sessions, readings, and other source materials and apply them to your Action Research. Describe the ways that GSM contributed to your Action Research. You are expected to find a connection between this class and your Action Research project.
Since my AR project is educational Simulation Games, there was a definite connection to GSM. The major thing I learned and this is a big change for me is the manner of assessing learning. The traditional EOC test is not what gaming is all about. I will need to talk to Dr. Siegel about assessment techniques. But first I need to reconsider how I plan to assess success in learning. I really enjoyed the different games we were exposed to. My favorite turned out to be the last game (Quest Atlantis). I believe games have a lot to offer education. I think this class has create more questions in my mind than it has given me answers.
