The overarching training goal is to use learner feedback to stage engaging and effective virtual simulations. The specific training goal is to facilitate learning outcomes related to different applications of [mathematics-based] game theory and strategy. Specific game theory applications include the economics of cooperation and other disciplines.

Using student ratings of different virtual world learning simulations and activities -- on interactivity, engagement (or fun), and contribution to course concept understanding -- a new multi-layer virtual world learning simulation was envisioned [based on the most highly rated elements]. In turn, the Open Simulator-based Prisoners' Dilemma Layered Learning Simulation Prototype (and accompanying Game Theory & Strategy Lab) was developed and submitted for consideration in the 2012 FVWC contest. The layers in the Prisoners' Dilemma Prototype include both real time and asynchronous learning activities, interactive components, self-practice, different resource materials, learner-relevant examples, and relevant historic figure life stories.

Looking specifically at student rankings of virtual learning activities, interactivity is an essential ingredient in engagement (or strongly correlated with engagement). Still, engagement is NOT equally correlated with increased learning outcomes. Interactivity is highly correlated with engagement in classroom learning, traditional online learning, and the different virtual world learning simulations but engagement is ONLY highly correlated with increased learning outcomes in virtual world and online learning activities. Further, students ranked virtual simulations they can relate to and inspiring life stories from relevant historical figures as highly engaging. Finally, as a surprising finding, students favorably ranked different resource simulations (including in-world slide shows and vocabulary flashcards).

Prisoners' Dilemma Layered Simulation Prototype

@ tulaneSCS_03 149, 111, 23

Instructions

The Prisoners' Dilemma Layered Learning Simulation Prototype entry is available for self-tours on the tulaneSCS_03 island (at 83, 84, 23) in the MOSES virtual world (see http://107.7.21.240:8002/wifi and http://fvwc.army.mil/moses/join-moses-today/ for more information on the MOSES virtual world grid).

After logging into MOSES and teleporting to the Game Theory & Strategy Lab (again, on the tulaneSCS_03 island), view the research findings display to see how different virtual world learning activities (and traditional online course learning activities and classroom instruction) were rated by students (on interactivity, engagement, and contribution to course learning outcomes) @ tulaneSCS_03 130, 110, 23.

Research Findings Display [in the Game Theory & Strategy Lab]

@ tulaneSCS_03 130, 110, 23

Next, tour the Prisoners' Dilemma Layered Simulation Prototype with the specific component parts including the following (see the video clip below for more instructions).

• • Prisoners' dilemma real time game (for two or more players) in either a single round or multiple rounds @ tulaneSCS_03 149, 111, 23.

  • Multiple slide show presentations and game theory vocabulary flash cards resources (for either asynchronous or real time access use) @ tulaneSCS_03 142, 94, 23.

  • "Leave a bot behind" asynchronous communications center for students (in the moot court jury box) @ tulaneSCS_03 138, 84, 23.

  • Links to more information about John Nash and his discovery of the Nash Equilibrium @ tulaneSCS_03 144, 83, 23, including a movie trailer for "A Beautiful Mind."

  • Self-test application (to test the student's understanding of the dominant strategy concept) @ tulaneSCS_03 149, 89, 23.

  • Additional examples of non dominant strategy games (including the snowdrift and chicken games) @ tulaneSCS_03 123, 87, 23 and @ tulaneSCS_03 118, 92, 23, respectively.

  • Interactive chicken game, where two or more students can play chicken by [digitally] driving a car off a cliff (or not driving off the cliff) @ tulaneSCS_03 98, 200, 22. Notes on the Chicken Game: Two versions of the chicken game have been made available (see the second video clip -- entitled "Chicken Game Vehicle Script Options" -- below). To play the chicken game #1, click on a car on the cliff, select ride, and use the back arrow on your keyboard to drive forward. Also, your avatar will be sitting backward when moving forward. To rezz/reposition a new car on the cliff, click on the arrow button and select "Build." To play the chicken game #2, click on one of the car dispensers on the ground level, open your inventory, select the 1957 T-Bird object, and click on "Wear." Next, use your keyboard arrow keys to move the car and reposition the car for repeated tries.

  • Military strategy applications: Guerrillas versus Police and Colonel Blotto @ tulaneSCS_03 114, 165, 23 and @ tulaneSCS_03 101, 152, 36, respectively.

  • Break-out discussion areas (on the first and second floors of the Game Theory & Strategy Lab building)@ tulaneSCS_03 143, 167, 23 and @ tulaneSCS_03 168, 142, 23.

  • Matrix concepts and probabilities mathematics review displays (on the third floor of the Game Theory & Strategy Lab building) starting @ tulaneSCS_03 124, 82, 49 and@ tulaneSCS_03 131, 175, 49, respectively.

Video Tour of the Prisoners' Dilemma Layered Simulation Prototype*

* The movie trailer for "A Beautiful Mind" featured in the video clip above can be accessed "in-world" in several ways. If an older (read: non media-on-a-prim enabled) viewer is used, click on the movie camera icon (pictured below) -- to receive a note card with the link that can be viewed in an internal or external browser window.

@ tulaneSCS_03 142, 82, 23

Alternatively, or if a viewer with media-on-a-prim capability is used (read: Imprudence 1.4.0 beta 2 or any type of V2 or V3 viewer), click on the movie camera icon in your viewer (either along the lower band on your viewer or in the upper right hand corner of your viewer) to use the "media on a prim" feature to watch the trailer in-world (see the media on a prim in-world alternative below).

@ tulaneSCS_03 141, 80, 23

Video Tour of the Two Versions of the Chicken Game

Matrix Concepts and Probabilities Mathematics Review Displays

[on the 3rd floor in the Game Theory & Strategy Lab]

@ tulaneSCS_03 124, 82, 49 and@ tulaneSCS_03 131, 175, 49, respectively