This is an interactive game in which students earn points by correctly classifying variables into one of four categories: nominal, interval, ratio, ordinal. More importantly, it uses a platform which instructors can use to create their own quiz games. It's like an online “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” type game.
Type of Material:
Drill and Practice. Applet. Flash.
Recommended Uses:
Recommended for an online homework or individual study session. Could be used in class with a clicker system with some minor modifications. Could be used for self-guided student practice and motivation building.
Technical Requirements:
Flash-enabled browser.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The purpose of the site is to help students practice recognizing and classifying different types of data.
Target Student Population:
Introductory statistics students.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Students should first learn the definitions of "ratio", "nominal", "ordinal" and "interval" variables. The game does not teach the concepts, it only allows students to practice.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This is a fairly simple game that is intended to improve students' knowledge in a fun context. The game allows on-line competition against other students, which might be fun and motivating for some students. This is an excellent drill and practice game. It allows and encourages multiple attempts and has a large question pool to draw from.
Concerns:
There does not seem to be any "rules" or directions for the game. When does the game end? The game has "Ask" buttons which allows students to ask "Instructor", "Class" and "Student". But its not clear who these buttons are really asking, and what the answers mean, and what the penalties are for asking for help (if any.)
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The level of understanding developed is relatively "low" in the sense of hierarchies of knowledge. This is strictly a knowledge-developing tool, not meant to develop deeper understanding or statistical thinking. The types of data in the questions are varied and come from real-life examples.
Concerns:
The game itself provides no instruction or information. It does not provide any feedback for incorrect answers. The hints provided are not instructional, either.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
It is very easy to start and to play. The multiple choice format is familiar to all students. The gaming nature of it encourages multiple attempts and is fun. It's interactive, and the ability to compete with other students is attractive.
Concerns:
The game looks like it will keep track of your scores once you register, but it actually doesn’t. It exposes students to advertisements. There are no directions, and the rules are not obvious.
Other Issues and Comments:
This is a straightforward resource that could be used by any introductory class.
Creative Commons:
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