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

该项目的重点是通过3D动作游戏来训练7至11岁的学生的数字感。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的能力方面更好。创新是双重的：一种从第一人称射击游戏改编的游戏，用于训练数字感，以及一种使得容易改变游戏的各个方面的平台（例如，重复，速度，可能性的数量），以能够分析是什么使学习有所不同。研究正在确定电脑游戏的质量，将训练大脑在其判断和质量的经验，促进这种自动性。该项目旨在促进基本的数学能力的方式，使数学学习感到轻松和真正的乐趣。特别是，其目的是帮助儿童发展数感，一种快速做出估计和数字判断的能力。这种能力是跟上数学的关键;没有这种感觉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了。培养数感，进而培养数学表现，应该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视频游戏。而不是射击，玩家施放法术，需要快速的数字估计。我们有理由相信，这样的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被证明可以提高成年人的注意力和执行控制力，这种认知技能有助于提高学术成就。因为引人入胜的视频游戏将接触到各种各样的儿童，并被他们玩;这样的游戏有可能接触到最需要更好地发展数字感和这些重要技能的高危人群。其目的是让游戏在非正式环境中使用，为教育工作者提供一个辅助工具，以培养数学技能。在这个游戏的背景下进行的研究将确定游戏的特点，促进技能自动化，基础知识，需要提供一个路线图，为创造儿童友好的消费者视频游戏，以改善其他重要方面的核心认知超越数字感。

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.