DIP: 'Hard Fun' Learning Mathematics: Stimulating Number Sense

这个项目主要通过一个3D动作游戏来培养7 - 11岁学生的数字感，这将训练他们的大脑。该项目测试了一个假设，即玩数字感动作游戏可以帮助孩子们学习游戏之外的东西，使他们在数字线感、数字精度、数字判断速度和多任务数字任务能力方面全面提高。这种创新是双重的：一款改编自第一人称射击游戏的游戏，可以训练玩家的数字感；另一个平台可以让玩家轻松调整游戏的不同方面（如重复、速度、可能性的数量），从而分析哪些因素会对学习产生影响。研究正在确定电脑游戏的特性，这些特性将训练大脑自动做出判断，而体验的特性将促进这种自动化。该项目旨在通过一种轻松愉快的数学学习方式，提高学生的基本数学能力。特别是，目的是帮助孩子们发展数字感，一种快速做出估计和数字判断的能力。这种能力是保持数学成绩的关键；没有这种意识的孩子往往会对数学失去兴趣，因为数学计算变得太令人沮丧。训练数感，进而培养数学表现，应该会让更多的学习者认为自己“擅长数学”。从小培养孩子对数学的兴趣被认为是培养STEM职业道路的关键。促进这种数学学习的工具是一种以第一人称射击游戏为基础的新型电子游戏。而不是射击，玩家施放法术需要快速的数值估算。我们有理由相信这款游戏会像第一人称射击游戏一样吸引人。第一人称射击游戏已经被证明可以提高成年人的注意力和执行控制能力，这些认知技能可以促进学业成就。因为吸引人的电子游戏将接触并被广泛的儿童所玩；这样的游戏有可能触及那些最需要更好地发展数字感和那些重要技能的高危人群。游戏的目的是在非正式的环境中使用，为教育工作者提供一个辅助工具来培养数学技能。在这款游戏的背景下进行的研究将确定游戏玩法的特征，这些特征可以促进技能自动化，为创造适合儿童的消费电子游戏提供必要的基础知识，从而提高除数字感之外的核心认知的其他重要方面。

This project focuses on development of number sense in 7 to 11 year old students through a 3D action game that will train the brain. The project tests a hypothesis that playing a number-sense action game can help children learn beyond the game, making them better overall at number-line sense, precision of numerosity, speed of numerical judgments, and ability to multitask numerical tasks. The innovation is twofold: a game, adapted from first-person shooter games, to train number sense, and a platform that makes it easy to vary aspects of the game (e.g., repetition, speed, number of possibilities) to be able to analyze what is it that is making a difference with respect to learning. Research is identifying the qualities of computer games that will train the brain to be automatic in its judgments and at qualities of experiences that promote such automaticity.This project aims to promote fundamental mathematical competence in a way that makes the mathematics learning feel effortless and genuinely fun. In particular, the aim is to help children develop number sense, an ability to very quickly make estimates and numerical judgments. Such capability is key to keeping up in mathematics; children without that sense tend to lose interest in mathematics because mathematical computation becomes too frustrating. Training number sense, and, in turn, fostering mathematical performance, should allow more learners to think of themselves as "good at math." Cultivating a child's interest in mathematics from a young age has been identified as key to feeding STEM career paths.The vehicle for promoting such mathematics learning is a new type of video game with foundations in first-person shooter games. Rather than shooting, players cast spells that require quick numerical estimates. There is reason to believe that such a game will be as engaging as first-person shooter games are. First-person shooter games have been shown to increase attention and executive control in adults, the kinds of cognitive skills known to foster academic achievement. Because engaging video games will reach and be played by a wide range of children; such a game has potential to reach at-risk populations who most need to better develop their number sense and those important skills. The intent is for the game to be used in informal settings, providing a complementary tool for educators to foster mathematics skills. Research that is done in the context of this game will identify the characteristics of game play that promote skill automation, foundational knowledge that is needed to provide a road map for creating child-friendly consumer video games to improve other important aspects of core cognition beyond number sense.