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A Study on the Effectiveness of using Integrated Nonlinear Storytelling and Simulation-based Learning Game in an Operations Research Course

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Conference

2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Publication Date

August 23, 2022

Start Date

June 26, 2022

End Date

June 29, 2022

Conference Session

Industrial Engineering Division Technical Session 1

Page Count

15

DOI

10.18260/1-2--41016

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/41016

Download Count

389

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Paper Authors

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Omar Ashour Pennsylvania State University, Behrend College Orcid 16x16 orcid.org/0000-0003-3775-6445

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Dr. Omar Ashour is an Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering at Pennsylvania State University, The Behrend College. Dr. Ashour received a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering/Manufacturing Engineering and an M.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) in 2005 and 2007, respectively. He received his M.Eng. degree in Industrial Engineering/Human Factors and Ergonomics and a Ph.D. degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) in 2010 and 2012, respectively. Dr. Ashour was the inaugural recipient of William and Wendy Korb Early Career Professorship in Industrial Engineering in 2016. Dr. Ashour’s research areas include data-driven decision-making, modeling and simulation, data analytics, immersive technologies, and process improvement. He contributed to research directed to improve design and engineering education. Dr. Ashour currently serves as a Technical Vice President (TVP) on the Technical Operations Board (TOB) of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE).

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Ashley Seamon Pennsylvania State University, Behrend College

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Ashley Seamon is a student and undergraduate research assistant at Pennsylvania State University Erie, the Behrend College. She will graduate in May 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and minor in Operations and Supply Chain Management. Beginning in Fall 2022, Ashley will attend North Carolina State University as an Industrial & Systems Engineering Ph.D. student with a concentration in supply chain and logistics.

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Christian Lopez Lafayette College

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Christian López Bencosme is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science with an affiliation in Mechanical Engineering at Lafayette College. He completed his Ph.D. from the Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, NY.

His research interests are in the design and optimization of intelligent decision support systems and persuasive technologies to augment human proficiencies. What this means is, he works on designing and creating systems to help make better decisions and help improve task performance by integrating technologies and methods from science and engineering, such as Machine Learning and Virtual Reality. In some cases, these systems need to be able to motivate individuals as well; hence, the use of persuasive technologies like gamification.

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Dr. Sabahattin Gokhan Ozden is an Assistant Professor of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State Abington. He holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Auburn University. He graduated from MISE program in Auburn University Industrial and Systems Engineering Department in 2012. He has a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering and a Double Major in Industrial Systems Engineering from Izmir University of Economics. He is a two times recipient of the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. Scholarship. His research has been awarded by National Science Foundation, Penn State Strategic Initiative Seed Grant, Penn State Social Science Research Institute, Penn State Justice Center for Research, and Penn State Abington Chancellor’s grant.

His research interests include facility logistics, heuristic optimization, sequencing and scheduling, simulation, model driven engineering, and engineering education.

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Daniell DiFrancesca Pennsylvania State University, Behrend College

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Conrad Tucker Carnegie Mellon University

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Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of using a learning module that combines interactive nonlinear storytelling games with three-dimensional (3D) simulation models. The story narrative is used to mimic real-world scenarios to train students to apply their knowledge. Using simulation software and games can facilitate practical understanding of complex systems and enhance students’ learning outcomes via situated learning. Situated learning is a pedagogical approach that places learners in real-life problem-solving situations to foster meaningful STEM learning. In this work, students use a nonlinear story to represent and express what they know about inventory and queueing models. Students use the simulation models to examine, analyze, and access virtual worlds that mimic real-world systems, interpret the information, organize their knowledge, and represent what they have learned. To investigate the effectiveness of combining nonlinear storytelling & simulation-based learning on students’ learning and motivation, two groups are compared: control (simulation-based only) (1), and intervention (nonlinear story and simulation learning game) (2). The control group is composed of students who used simulation models with a traditional case study format. In comparison, the nonlinear story and simulation learning game group is represented by the students who are taught with the aid of the game learning module. The results of this study compared the groups in terms of students’ motivation, engineering identity, and learning outcomes. The data of the control and intervention groups were collected in Fall 2020, and Fall 2021, respectively. The intervention group showed higher overall motivation and learning outcomes compared to the control group.

Ashour, O., & Seamon, A., & Lopez, C., & Ozden, S., & DiFrancesca, D., & Tucker, C. (2022, August), A Study on the Effectiveness of using Integrated Nonlinear Storytelling and Simulation-based Learning Game in an Operations Research Course Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--41016

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