I received an email this morning to help a PhD student at CSU with a research project. Here is the guts of it:
Quote:
Research Study - Participants To Play A Physics Computer Game & Answer A Survey
In research and in industry, there has been growing interest in the use of computer games for teaching and training applications (so-called "Serious Games"). Virtual worlds can be programmed to behave according to Newtonian laws of physics, or other rules, that enable us to experience things that are not possible or feasible in real life. The Special Theory of Relativity, which is concerned with travel at speeds close to the speed of light, is such a topic that is outside the scope of human experience but which can be portrayed by the use of computer software.
I am a PhD student at CSU, and my research project is on games technology for portraying Einstein's Theory of Relativity. I am conducting a study with a prototype 2D computer game that has been designed to show some of the differences between classical and relativistic models of mechanics. The aim is to evaluate how the ideas work in the gameplay and whether such a game can help people to learn the concepts of relativity. I am seeking respondents who would be willing to try the game and complete the questionnaire. The game is a simple arcade design that can be played at leisure without a substantial time commitment. The survey is completely voluntary and should take no more than 10-15 minutes, and may be accessed online to be completed when convenient.
The game and survey can be accessed from the following website:
http://athene.riv.csu.edu.au/~dcarr/
The game is Windows-based and requires DirectX 9.0c - it requires no installation and instructions for use can be found on the page. The questionnaire will ask you to rate aspects of the game (if you chose to play it) and test your knowledge of relativity. It also asks for some general demographic information so I can build a picture of the people who are interested in it. Basically I want to find out if it's fun, and if you learn anything from it. It would really help me to get as many responses as possible so I hope you'll check it out and pass it on.
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I haven't played it yet as I am at work, but I thought there might be others on IIS who are interested in relativity who might like to play it anyway, and if you can help out with the survey, then that's a bonus.
Al.
