SBIR Phase I: Contemporary Studies of the Zombie Apocalypse: An Online Game to Teach Mathematical Thinking to Middle School Students

这一创新利用基于游戏的学习来增加中学生的数学知识、数学思维和数学成绩。正在解决的问题是，美国中学生在国际考试中的平均考试成绩较低，许多学生无法将数学应用于日常问题。这款名为《僵尸启示录的当代研究：一款向中学生传授数学思维的在线游戏》是一款基于网络的动作冒险、故事为基础的角色扮演游戏，玩家在游戏中对抗僵尸，努力拯救人类。《当代僵尸启示录研究》的显著特点是游戏设计、计算机适应的差异化教学和高制作价值。该创新以认知负荷和多媒体学习理论为基础，在情境、具体的数学隐喻和抽象、形式、学术的数学之间建立联系。其他功能包括指导搭建、即时反馈、视频教程、Common Core对齐、移动可访问性以及用于查看性能数据的后端管理仪表板。这款游戏可以整合到任何数学课程中，与教科书无关，可扩展，可在线访问，并且具有重复可玩性。第一阶段包括三个数学思维小游戏的原型，将在大约80名中学生中进行测试。《僵尸启示录当代研究：一款教中学生数学思维的网络游戏》的更广泛/商业化影响在于它独特地整合了程序数学和概念数学，并着眼于数学作为一种思维方式的发展。目前市场上还没有类似的数学游戏。有些游戏侧重于练习和记忆程序，但从不找出形式数学的含义。还有一些人专注于解决情境中的谜题，而不是抽象或形式化游戏中的数学，所以学习者不会将这些知识“打包”到其他情境中。《当代僵尸启示录研究》解决了这一空白。它是一种辅助教学活动，可在网络和移动平台上使用，与共同核心标准保持一致，具有易于使用的仪表板，用于查看和跟踪性能。其可扩展的在线设计有利于通过多渠道分销和具有竞争力的价格结构。有11,927,000名中学生和数以百万计的学生离开学校，没有能力将数学知识和技能应用于现实世界的任务。对僵尸启示录的当代研究可以显著提高学生对程序和概念的理解，引导他们对数学有更好的态度，并最终提高他们作为数学思想家的能力。

The innovation uses game-based learning to increase the mathematical knowledge, mathematical thinking, and mathematical performance of middle school students. The problems being addressed are that average test scores of U.S. middle school students on international tests are low, and many students are unable to apply math to everyday problems. The innovation, entitled Contemporary Studies of the Zombie Apocalypse: An Online Game to Teach Mathematical Thinking to Middle School Students, is a Web-based action-adventure, narrative-based, role-playing game where the player defends against zombies in an effort to save the human race. The distinguishing features of Contemporary Studies of the Zombie Apocalypse are game design, computer-adapted differentiated instruction, and high production value. Relying on Cognitive Load and Multimedia Learning theories, the innovation scaffolds connections among situated, concrete math metaphors and abstract, formal, academic mathematics. Other features include scaffolding of instruction, instant feedback, video tutorials, Common Core alignment, mobile accessibility, and a backend administrative dashboard for viewing performance data. The game can be integrated into any math curriculum and is textbook neutral, scalable, accessible online, and designed for repeat playability. Phase I includes a prototype of three mathematical thinking mini-games that will be tested with approximately 80 middle school students. The broader/commercialization impact of Contemporary Studies of the Zombie Apocalypse: An Online Game to Teach Mathematical Thinking to Middle School Students, lies in its unique integration of procedural and conceptual mathematics with an eye to the development of math as a way of thinking. There are currently no comparable math games in the market. Some games focus on exercises and memorization of procedures, but never find out what formal mathematics means. Others focus on solving situated puzzles without abstracting or formalizing math in-game, so learners do not "package" that knowledge to take it into other contexts. Contemporary Studies of the Zombie Apocalypse addresses this void. It is a supplementary instructional activity, available on both Web and mobile platforms, aligned with Common Core Standards, featuring an easy-to-use dashboard for viewing and tracking performance. Its scalable online design is conducive to distribution through multiple channels and to competitive pricing structures. There are 11,927,000 middle schoolers and literally millions of students exiting school without the ability to apply mathematics knowledge and skills to real-world tasks. Contemporary Studies of the Zombie Apocalypse can significantly improve student procedural and conceptual understanding, leading toward better attitudes toward math and ultimately to competence as a mathematical thinker.