Recent advocacy for increased data literacy in K-12 education (e.g., Wise, 2022; Ow-Yeong et al., 2023) has amplified the importance of Data and Analysis skills, particularly in the area of Computer Science education. Although commonly introduced in elementary school, educators often struggle to create engaging and age-appropriate opportunities for students to practice data gathering and analysis. To help educators teach these skills, we developed Makahiki Racer, a free, web-based educational simulation. Makahiki Racer features colorful fish competing across seven difficulty levels. The simulation’s learning goal is to help students collect and analyze data, make predictions, and communicate their findings. While playing the simulation, students examine various properties of the fish to determine which factors influence their swimming speed, uncovering important correlations and interactions. The simulation is designed for flexible classroom use, supporting whole-group, small-group, and individual activities. This presentation will: 1) introduce the challenges of teaching data and analysis, 2) demonstrate how to use Makahiki Racer, 3) explore strategies for differentiating instruction with the tool, and 4) discuss how students can apply their data and analysis skills to real-world problems in their communities. The presentation aligns with the conference stream, "Implementation & Assessment of Innovative Technologies in Education," by showcasing a free technology-enabled learning environment that empowers learners to evaluate data and make evidence-based claims.

Authors:
Daniel Hoffman, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States
Seungoh Paek, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States
Peter Leong, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States
Rochelle Ka'aloa, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dan Hoffman is an Associate Professor of Learning Design & Technology at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. A former classroom teacher, his research focuses broadly on the complex relationships between education and technology.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-hoffman-0273a334

Additional website of interest
https://coe.hawaii.edu/directory/hoffman2/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

Bookmark