SANCTUARY: Asymmetric Interfaces for Game-Based Tablet Learning
by
Jason M. Haas
B.A. Film Studies, Wesleyan University, 2000
M.Ed. Technology, Innovation, and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2006
SUBMITTED TO THE PROGRAM IN MEDIA ARTS AND SCIENCES, SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING IN PARTIAL
FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MEDIA ARTS AND SCIENCES
AT THE
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
September 2013
© September 2013 Massachusetts Institute of Technology. All rights reserved.
Signature of Author: __________________________________________________
Department of Media Arts and Sciences
August 9th, 2013
Certified by: __________________________________________________________
Eric Klopfer
Professor, Director of the Scheller Teacher Education Program
Thesis Supervisor
Accepted by:__________________________________________________________
Patricia Maes
Alex W. Dreyfoos Professor of Media Technology
Associate Academic Head, Program in Media Arts and Sciences
SANCTUARY: Asymmetric Interfaces for Game-Based Tablet Learning
by
Jason M. Haas
Submitted to the Program in Media Arts and Sciences, School of Architecture and Planning
on August 9th, 2013 in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in
Media Arts and Sciences
ABSTRACT
This thesis describes the production of Sanctuary, a multiplayer learning game to be played on two tablet computers. Sanctuary’s principle innovation is the splitting of the user interface onto two tablets, separating player tools in separate roles and thus providing players with obtainable epistemologies. The designed intention of this interaction is to force communication and interaction and thus metacognition in players. By requiring players to express their beliefs about the game world to one another in language in order to be successful, the design of the game encourages players to formalize their intuitions and experiences. If this approach is successful, then it may be applied further to an increasing range of epistemological frames and better science education. This has the potential to build cooperative, thriving learning communities with shared experiences. The game was tested with a non-random stratified sample of high school students, suggesting new directions for the intervention, and demonstrating the value of co-design.
Thesis Supervisor: Eric Klopfer
Title: Professor of Urban Studies and Planning; Director, Scheller Teacher Education Program
SANCTUARY: Asymmetric Interfaces for Game-Based Tablet Learning
by
Jason M. Haas
________________________________________________Professor_Eric_Klopfer'>______________________________________________
Professor Eric Klopfer
Director, The Scheller Teacher Education Program
Director, The Education Arcade
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
______________________________________________
Professor Mitchel Resnick
LEGO Papert Professor of Learning Research
Academic Head, Program in Media Arts and Sciences
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
______________________________________________
Professor T.L. Taylor
Associate Professor of Comparative Media Studies
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
BIOGRAPHY
Jason is a Research Assistant and PhD candidate in The Education Arcade and the Center for Mobile Learning through the MIT Media Lab. His research focuses on designing interesting multiplayer experiences (for learning and otherwise) and evaluating them in context. His interests include media, collaboration, learning, information flow, and the workings of organizations. He holds a B.A. in Film Studies from Wesleyan University and a M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Technology, Innovation and Education program.
Eric: Your class changed my life forever, and your lab further still. Your tireless and wise dedication to your collaborators and to the greater good are an inspiration. In particular, thank you for the example you provide with your deeply held belief that to abandon schools amounts to cowardice.
Mitchel: It would have been enough to be introduced to Kohn and Schon. You have opened up Papert for me and inspired me with your selfless dedication to creative learning and slow, purposeful, real change.
TL: Though we only just met through this process, in many ways I had to lean on you the most. Thank you so much for your wise and patient advice as you helped me become a real researcher. I am so glad you have joined us here, and greatly look forward to working with you in the future.
Michael, Scott, and the students of Bedford High School: Thank you so much for opening your doors, for your hospitality, for your dedicated play, and for your excellent ideas.
Nick, Jordan, Nethanel: I literally could not have done this without you. The success of this game and project is yours as well. Thank you so much - I hope we can work together in the future!
Scot: You were my thesis’ unofficial advisor. I can’t thank you enough.
Jessica: Well that certainly was a year! Thank you so much for your patience, understanding, and thoughtfulness, Dr. Monkey! Extra snuggles for you.
Mom & Dad: Thanks for all your love and support! I made it!
Justin: Thank you for teaching me so well that two is always better than one.
Volcanic Kitties: Without my immersion in your problem-solving ranks, and without the good-natured intelligence and collaboration of our little group, I probably couldn’t have written this. Sorry I had to go on furlough to write it and then the guild died. LOK’TAR O’GAR!
Education Arcade: There are no better work environments, there is no better collection of smart, creative weirdos. I’ll be back at the lunch table this year.
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