The Radix Endeavor: Designing a Massively Multiplayer Online Game around Collaborative Problem Solving in STEM

Massively multiplayer online games provide rich contexts for fostering scientific and mathematical thinking and reasoning. We are leveraging these affordances by developing an MMOG, The Radix Endeavor, which integrates STEM practices as core game mechanics. In this poster, we will describe how we are designing the game-play experiences around activities in biology and math content linked to the common core and next generation standards. We hope to generate discussion around (1) designing collaborative problem solving activities (2) using log data to assess players at the individual and group level. Massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) provide rich contexts for fostering scientific and mathematical thinking and reasoning. Due to being massive and persistent, the open-ended game play encourages a sustained investment in “systems-based reasoning, model-based reasoning, [and] evaluative epistemology in which knowledge is treated as an open-ended process of evaluation and argument” (Steinkuehler & Duncan, 2008). This reasoning is often done collaboratively (both synchronously and asynchronously) with peers. We are leveraging these affordances by developing an MMOG, The Radix Endeavor, which integrates science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) practices as core game mechanics. In this poster, we will describe how we are designing the game-play experiences around activities in biology and math content linked to the common core and next generation standards. We hope to generate discussion around the types of strategies for (1) designing collaborative problem solving activities (2) using log data to assess players at the individual and group level. Theoretical Framework Our work is guided by theories of situated and collaborative learning. From the situative perspective, learning is seen as enculturation supported by social interaction (Brown, Collins, Duguid, 1989; Lave & Wenger, 1991). Engagement and participation in activities are dependent on interaction with other people (Greeno, 1998). Many terms have been used to describe collaborative learning, such as cooperative learning (Slavin, 1996, Johnson & Johnson 1999), group processes (Webb and Palinscar, 1996), collective cognitive responsibility (Scardamalia 2002), groupwork (Cohen, 1994), and collaboration (Roschelle, 1992). We define collaborative learning as a group of students with distributed expertise sharing cognitive responsibility for a specific task or goal. The emphasis in collaborative learning is on the learning and cognitive advancement of the group. MMOGs, more than any other type of game, rely on collaboration. Not only is this a necessary so-called, “21st century skill;” it is one that is particularly relevant to science as it is practiced by working scientists. The MMOG: The Radix Endeavor The Radix Endeavor is a Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG) being developed by The Education Arcade at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, designed to improve learning and interest in STEM in high school students. The content specifically focuses on statistics, algebra, probability, geometry, ecology, evolution, genetics, and human body systems. Players take on the role of mathematicians and scientists and embark on quests that encourage them to explore and interact with the virtual world through math and science. Players become embedded in a narrative in the world where they encounter a villain who does not believe in the practices of science. Players have to reason about science issues applicable to game characters' everyday lives, refute the unscientific claims of the villain, and make choices based on what they consider to be valid evidence.