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Linear algebra instruction is an essential competency that is necessary for success in multiple engineering disciplines. Research in realistic mathematics education and the development of an empirically tested curriculum in inquiry oriented practices for teaching linear algebra helps improve the ability of instructors to teach the content via multiple lenses and modes. While there have been good instructional materials and strategies developed to apply inquiry oriented instruction for linear algebra, students struggle to apply and connect the different modes. Game based learning provides a platform to creatively include multiple modes and strategies via a fun and engaging manner. In this paper, we present we discuss the addition of game-based learning elements into an existing curriculum that teaches undergraduate linear algebra via an inquiry-oriented pedagogy. The aim of this paper is to discuss the game design strategies used in connecting game based learning to inquiry oriented methods. 

Linear algebra instruction is an essential competency that is necessary for success in multiple engineering disciplines. Research in realistic mathematics education and the development of an empirically tested curriculum in inquiry-oriented practices for teaching linear algebra helps improve the ability of instructors to teach the content via multiple lenses and modes. While there have been good instructional materials and strategies developed to apply inquiry-oriented instruction for linear algebra, students struggle to apply and connect the different modes. Game-based learning provides a platform to creatively include multiple modes and strategies in a fun and engaging manner. In this paper, we present we discuss the addition of game-based learning elements into an existing curriculum that teaches undergraduate linear algebra via an inquiry-oriented pedagogy. The aim of this paper is to discuss the game design strategies used in connecting game based learning to inquiry oriented methods. 

Detection and responding to a player’s affect are important for serious games. A method for this purpose was tested within Chem-o-crypt, a game that teaches chemical equation balancing. The game automatically detects boredom, flow, and frustration using the Affdex SDK from Affectiva. The sensed affective state is then used to adapt the game play in an attempt to engage the player in the game. A randomized controlled experiment incorporating a Dynamic Bayesian Network that compared results from groups with the affect-sensitive states vs those without revealed that measuring affect and adapting the game improved learning for low domain-knowledge participants. 

Content Agnostic Game Engineering (CAGE) architecture utilizes content agnostic mechanics to create educational games that can teach multiple contents. However, the player engagement goes down when second content is played using the same game mechanics. A content agnostic stealth assessment can aid a CAGE game in sustaining the engagement level of its players. A potentially generalizable method for this was tested using Chem-o-crypt, a CAGE game that can teach chemistry and cryptography contents. The game automatically detects frustration, flow, and boredom using the Affdex SDK from Affectiva. A randomized controlled experiment incorporating real-time game adaptation revealed that using stealth assessment can help sustain engagement in a CAGE game when playing multiple contents.