SBIR-STTR Award

vCoder and AI Assisted Learning
Award last edited on: 3/23/2023

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DoEd
Total Award Amount
$1,099,531
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
91990020R0006
Principal Investigator
Angela Patterson

Company Information

Beach Day Studios LLC

9120 NE Vancouver Mall Loop Suite 250
Vancouver, WA 98662
   (971) 319-4377
   hello@beachdaystudios.com
   www.beachdaystudios.com
Location: Single
Congr. District: 03
County: Clark

Phase I

Contract Number: 91990020C0080
Start Date: 6/9/2020    Completed: 2/15/2021
Phase I year
2020
Phase I Amount
$199,531
The researchers will further develop their existing vCoder, an immersive virtual reality (VR) game for students to learn to code. This project will develop an artificial intelligence component to customize pathways to optimize how individual students learn to code. At the end of Phase I, in a pilot study with a middle school class, the researchers will examine whether the prototype functions as planned; if the VR experience adjusts to the level of knowledge and skill of each student; and if students' engagement, knowledge, and coding skill increases pre- to post-intervention.

Phase II

Contract Number: 91990021C0038
Start Date: 5/1/2021    Completed: 4/30/2023
Phase II year
2021
Phase II Amount
$900,000
Purpose: In this project, the research team will fully develop and test vCoder, an immersive virtual reality (VR) game with an artificial intelligence component to customize pathways that optimize how individual middle school students learn to code. Computer Science is considered a fundamental program for education and workforce development, as computing occupations are growing faster than the average for all occupations. Project Activities: During Phase I in 2020, the team developed a prototype of an artificial intelligence component that provides automated supports to middle school students learning to code using an immersive virtual reality (VR) coding game. At the end of Phase I, researchers completed a pilot study with 158 middle school students enrolled in computer science classes, as well as 30 middle school educators who teach computer science courses. The researchers found that 84% of students agreed the prototype was easy to use, 92% agreed that they enjoyed playing the game prototype, and 78% reported an improved perception of computer science using the prototype. 92% of educators agreed that students could benefit from using a vCoder game that personalizes the gameplay experience. In a pre- to post-measure of learning outcomes using an assessment, 81% of students had a higher post-vCoder score when compared to their pre-vCoder computer science score on a researcher developed measure. In Phase II, the team will fully develop the curricular modules, difficulty levels, the machine learning algorithms, add multiplayer functionality, and teacher professional development materials. After development is complete, the research team will conduct a pilot study to assess the feasibility and usability, fidelity of implementation, and the promise of vCoder to improve student learning. The study will include 20 middle school computer science classes, half randomly assigned to use vCoder and half to participate in business-as-usual instruction. Researchers will compare pre- and post-test scores for student learning over a 4-week period using items from the Computer Science Concept Inventory. The researchers will also determine a per student cost to implement the intervention in treatment classrooms. Product: vCoder will be an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience for middle and high students to learn computer science skills through "hands-on" experiential learning. 2 years (05/01/2021 – 04/30/2023) vCoder will include beginner, intermediate, and advanced difficulty levels. Each level will include 36 modules covering fundamentals, such as loops, sequencing, debugging, functions, variables, conditionals, events, and troubleshooting. An artificial intelligence engine will support students in seeing adjustments in the VR world as they code in real time, in providing cues and support for students who are struggling, or more challenging tasks when needed. Teachers will serve as coaches and facilitators, guiding students when necessary, monitoring student progress, and offering just-in-time instruction to answer questions and reinforce key concepts and skills.