PlanetK

PLANET K: A 3D Video Game on Designing Digital Circuits

A remote planet. A digital world. A bossy computer. In Planet K, the player, in the role of the Space Cadet, finds himself stranded on a deserted planet filled with the technology that the space cadet can find a way out of the planet. Aided by the AI, EMIL, the Space Cadet must overcome the challenges by building digital circuits to power Planet K back up so he can reach central command. Learn more

Features

Planet K is a first person shooter style 3D video game. It features 5 different stages

5 Stages

Planet K features 5 different stages. As players advance in the game, they will experience new world and acquire new skills to overcome the challenges presented in the game. In each stage, Planet K covers a set of learning objectives.

Context-Specific Help

Planet K includes video-based and text-based instructions for players to learn about the required concepts, skills and principles targeted in the tasks. The instructional video and text are provided in each task specific to the content matter covered in the task.

Aligned with the current curriculums

Planet K covers the entire curriculum of digital circuit classes offered in computer science, electronic, and computer engineering courses. It is aligned with the frequently offered learning objectives.

How can I use Planet K in my class?

Planet K actively monitors your students’ progress in the game. Students can use the tools provided in the game to track their learning. Also, Planet K informs instructors about their students’ current learning achievements. Using this information, instructors can make an informed decision about their students and can act timely in case of a learning deficiency. Planet K also suggests a grade for students’ performances in the game.

Assess your students learning

Planet K can be used as a whole curriculum for your course. It can also be flexibly integrated into your current course. You may choose to play a part of the game or entire game. To see what concepts and skills Planet K covers, please visit our learning page.

Teaching

Planet K can serve as a digital emulator where you can test a variety of digital circuit components. Planet K includes most of the popular digital circuit components. Its circuit components include simple AND, OR, NOT components and more complex combinational circuits such as ROMs and RAMs.

Use it in your laboratory class

About Us

Here in Texas, we're developing a game to help future engineers and computer scientists learn how to design digital circuits. Planet K pairs the motivational power of games with effective educational practices to engage learners in sustained, scaffolded problem-solving. As researchers, we're interested in studying the impact of an educational game on the skill development and attitudes of diverse learners, including those that have traditionally been underrepresented in STEM fields. We are developing and validating new, innovative game-based formative and summative assessment approaches to assess student learning for both summative and formative purposes while students are receiving instruction from the game. Through an iterative design process, we are also learning what game design features keep players engaged and learning throughout. Our team includes engineers, computer scientists, and educators; instructional designers, game designers, artists, and programmers; faculty, students, and folks from industry. We're as diverse as the learners we hope to reach. Development and research on Planet K is funded by the National Science Foundation. Learn more... tamu