Using a computer game to teach circuit concepts. (19th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kortemeyer, Gerd; Anderson, Daniel; Desrochers, Ann Marie; Hackbardt, Amanda; Hoekstra, Kelsie; Holt, Alexander; Iftekhar, Asif; Kabaker, Tyler; Keller, Nicole; Korzecke, Zosha; Gogonis, Angelos; Manson, Quincy; McNeill, George; Mookerjee, Dev; Nguyen, Sean; Person, Benjamin; Stafford, Madeline; Takamoribraganca, Lucas; Yu, Zeren; Zeng, Fanjun; Ratan, Rabindra
• Is Part Of: European journal of physics. Volume 40:Number 5(2019:Sep.)
• Publication Date: 2019-08-19
• Subjects: electrical circuits -- simulation -- gamification -- computer game -- electrical current -- electrical potential; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Europe -- Periodicals; 530
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6404/ab2a1d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-0807

Abstract

Abstract: We describe the development and use of Kirchhoff ' s Revenge, a freely available computer game designed to teach circuit laws in introductory physics courses at the high-school and undergraduate level. In this case study, we describe design principles, effort involved in developing the game, as well as player experiences and feedback. We also report on concept-test results for time-independent scenarios (batteries, wires, and lightbulbs), where we find that conceptual learning gains from playing the game alone are similar to those from traditional instruction alone, but inferior to a combination of traditional instruction with investigative, physical laboratory experiments.