Current Research Projects at the NMSU Learning Games Lab

Fitness Through Gameplay Researchers: Barbara Chamberlin, PhD, Jeanne Gleason, EdD, Pamela Martinez How can games get players physically active? What existing programs are effective for nutrition education and for increasing movement? What programs still could be developed for different audiences? This research and design initiative includes the evaluation of existing programs and the prototyping of new games and research strategies. Of particular interest to researchers is the development of games to prevent obesity in kids and to encourage activity by seniors ages 70 and over. Identifying Assessment Strategies in Game Analysis by Youth Researchers: Barbara Chamberlin, PhD and Jennifer Sheppard, PhD As gamers review games and provide feedback to developers, how can we encourage detailed description of games and responses to questions and how can we document and analyze this input for efficient synthesis by researchers? Drs. Sheppard and Chamberlin are using multiple forms of assessment, including blogs, written documentation, interviews, video closet feedback and focus groups to refine strategies for gamers to provide input and feedback to game developers.

Using the iPod to Supplement Learning

Researchers: Barbara Chamberlin, PhD, Pamela Martinez
If we give middle school students iPods that are pre-loaded with educational content (and they are not able to customize the iPod with their own music and files), will students use the iPods in their spare time? What type and format of content are of greatest interest? How long will these iPods sustain their interest? What implications do these findings have for enhancing math learning in the spare time of middle school students? Researchers loan pre-loaded iPods to game lab participants, and review their use through interviews with students and parents and other methods.

Teachers' Perspectives on iPods in Supplemental Math Learning

Researchers: Barbara Chamberlin, PhD, Karin Wiburg, EdD, Ted Stanford, PhD, Rocio Benedicto, Harry Schulte
As part of a professional development summer institute, math teachers will join us as research participants evaluating iPods. Similar to the iPod research being done with youth, teachers will be loaned iPods pre-loaded with educational content. After using and evaluating the tools, teachers will work through a series of development activities to design new math-related content for iPods. These recommendations will be used to inform development of math tools for iPod delivery for middle school students.

Science Process Learning and Games: Science Pirates Formative Evaluation

Researchers: Barbara Chamberlin, PhD, Pamela Martinez, Matt Byrnes, CC Chamberlin, Elizabeth Sohn
NMSU game developers are currently working on a game for middle school science instruction emphasizing the practice and knowledge related to science processes. Game lab participants are informing that development by providing feedback on early paper prototypes, participating in evaluation and game play of beta versions of games, and engaging in class-based activities related to science instruction. In addition to identifying effective game mechanics, content level and engaging storyline for the science game, researchers are experimenting with new in-game assessment strategies that monitor science understanding as part of the game play.