The benefits of game use in a signal processing graduate class

It is important in the age of the INTERNET and video games to keep students engaged in the classroom. One way of doing this is through the use of games and simulations. TABOO™ is a card game which involves getting players to say a keyword without saying five forbidden words¹. This can be adapted for any number of different subjects. In this paper the game was adapted for use in “Detection and Estimation” (EENG663) class at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). A study was conducted to see if there is a difference in the scores of the final examination for two different groups. Data was obtained on the students. Their project, midterm and final exam scores were recorded. Group one took EENG663 without the additional game preparation, group two had the additional review given right before the final exam. A statistical analysis of the scores is presented in this paper. Some students also completed a survey that asked their opinions on using the game in the classroom. Results show that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean final exam scores for the two groups.