Ryan Coyer
Aaron SchramVideo Games as Learning ToolsExperimentation and Analysis
Our project explored the effect that a video game can have upon one’s learning and mastering of a task. More specifically, we analyzed Tiger Woods PGA Golf (XBOX) regarding its effect on golf games of multiple people of varying abilities.
For our project, we first analyzed the game itself, detailing specific situations in which the game seemed to be particularly helpful in terms of the provision of information. After exploring the video game we formulated a hypothesis (that the game improves golf skills) and crafted an experiment to test that hypothesis. Our analysis and findings are presented below.
There are several specific situations in which the information provided to the user is particularly useful. Besides the specific cases which we mentioned earlier, we have added more detail to the following situations: Wind and Weather: Tiger Woods golf teaches us that you should change your club selection and aim based upon the speed and direction of the wind. More specifically, the user can view the wind speed and direction (as well as a report of any precipitation) and change their play accordingly. For example, if the necessary direction of the next shot is due north, and the wind is blowing from a westerly direction, a player must aim slightly east of north to compensate. Consider also a situation with precipitation. A player must either select a club that will yield more distance or swing harder to compensate. Grass Condition: Based upon the general condition of the grass, Tiger Woods golf tells us to alter club selection and swing execution. Grass can either be cut short (fairway), cut medium (fringe) or left long (rough). Additionally, wet grass imposes another level of difficulty, not only because of slippery footing but because of unpredictable ball striking. Before each shot, the player is prompted with information regarding the type of grass in which the ball has landed. Even more useful is a fairly precise estimation of how much distance will be sacrificed on your next shot due to the type of grass. For example, consider a case where you need to hit the ball 200 yards (with a 5 iron). If your ball lies in the rough, the system will prompt you with an estimated actual distance of ~50% of the theoretical distance (or 100 yards). So, in very long rough, you must select a club that will propel a ball 400 yards in order to enjoy an actual distance of 200 yards. There are different types of grass used by different courses and this also affects the distance traveled by the ball. The game doesn’t address this directly, however. Elevation Change: Based upon the difference in elevation between current ball position and the intended ball position, there are modifications that you must make. There are some slightly complex geometric calculations that must be made to determine how elevation change impacts the flight of a ball. The system simplifies all of that by prompting the player with an ‘elevation change’ adjustment that advises adding or subtracting a club, based upon the actual change in elevation.
We initially proposed the following in our project proposal: Four people, each with a different ability level, will go play a round of golf. After this, two of the people will play the Tiger Woods game for a significant number of hours over the period of one week. Following that week, the same four people will play golf again at the same course. We altered our plans and assessed the impact of the game as follows: We found four people of differing golf and Tiger Woods/XBOX experience and ability. We all went golfing (9 holes at a local golf course) and recorded not only our scores but also some subjective analysis of accuracy and shot quality. We then played the game together for a period of time, measuring progress in the game and also the time spent playing. Finally, we all golfed again and recorded the changes realized by playing the game. The members of our team were Russ (not in DLC), Ryan, Henry and Aaron. Russ happened to be a life long golfer with many years of experience. Ryan had also played golf for his entire life. Henry and Aaron both had little to no experience with the game of golf. At the end of the first round of golf Henry and Aaron had comparable (terrible) scores, and Ryan and Russ ended up being consistent with what they would normally score. After the game of real golf, a considerable amount of time was spent playing the video game. Henry was not present during the virtual training because he was to be used as the control for the experiment. Ryan, Russ, and Aaron spent over 10 hours training through the use of the Tiger Woods video game. During this time, the game exposed Aaron to the basic rules and techniques of the game while also allowing the more advanced players to hone their already present skills. The skills gained by Ryan ended up being very minimal as he was already very experienced with the video game. Russ however learned a great deal about putting and green reading from his training with the game. Once the training period had ended the four subjects played another 9 holes of golf (on the same course). Henry's score had marginal improvements. As with the first time Henry had played golf, he still had no idea of the proper club to use or the basic rules of the game. Aaron did not seem to fare any better, however, he did demonstrate rational club choices as well as the proper golf etiquette and knowledge of procedure. Russ felt that he was putting slightly more efficiently throughout the second round, although he score did not show very much of a difference. Ryan felt that his experience with the game in general helped him properly mitigate hazards and unfavorable weather conditions. His score also showed very little difference. Overall, the game itself proved to be helpful only for novices unfamiliar with the game of golf. It proved effective in teaching the novice the basic rules as well as the basic physics involved in elevation changes and hazard mitigation. Without a more physically involved user interface however it will be very difficult to properly show a novice how to swing correctly, which is what truly makes a good golfer.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2005® can indeed improve the skills of many golfers. There are many specific situations that a player encounters in the video game that exactly mirror situations encountered in the real game. Experience provided by the game lends knowledge of successful mitigation techniques for hazards, weather and many other unfavorable conditions. Additionally (and most importantly for novices), the game teaches a player the correct procedure and also a great many of the rules of the game. Golfers with a lifetime of experience cannot greatly improve by playing this game, save perhaps by acquiring better visualization skills. Novices, however, can improve their knowledge of procedure, rules and play by regimented experience with the video game. Beginners without knowledge of, say, how to swing a golf club would be better served by a private tutor, although at much greater expense. Overall, this particular video game demonstrated an impressive capacity to facilitate learning.
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