GameSalad Money Interactive Study Guide

Quiz:

1. What is the primary function of the green button located at the top of each column in the GameSalad Money Interactive?
2. Explain the purpose of the red button found at the top of each column within the interactive.
3. How does a student using the GameSalad Money Interactive check if their calculation of the total amount in cents is correct?
4. Describe what happens visually within the interactive if a student's total amount in cents calculation is correct.
5. What visual feedback is provided to a student if their calculation of the total amount in cents is incorrect?
6. In what format is the correctly calculated total amount displayed after the student's initial input in cents?
7. Who are credited as the creators of the GameSalad Money Interactive?
8. What platform was used to develop the GameSalad Money Interactive?
9. Where can one find more information regarding the commercial use of the Easy JavaScript Simulations Library, which may be related to this interactive?
10. Besides the GameSalad Money Interactive, list two other interactive resources or simulation models mentioned on the same webpage.

Answer Key:

1. The green button at the top of each column is used to add an instance of the specific money denomination represented by that column.
2. The red button at the top of each column serves to delete an instance of the money denomination associated with that column.
3. A student needs to click on the white box located beside the "Total amount (cents)" to trigger the calculation and check their answer.
4. If the calculation is correct, the total amount in cents will be converted to the total amount in dollars, and a green "correct" box will appear as confirmation.
5. If the calculation is wrong, a red "wrong" box will appear, prompting the student to try their calculation again.
6. The correctly calculated total amount is converted and displayed in dollars after a correct entry in cents.
7. Shen Baiyue and SK Koh are credited as the creators of the GameSalad Money Interactive.
8. The GameSalad platform (gamesalad.com) was used to develop the interactive.
9. Information regarding the commercial use of the Easy JavaScript Simulations Library can be found at https://www.um.es/fem/EjsWiki/Main/EJSLicense, and inquiries can be directed to fem@um.es.
10. Two other interactive resources mentioned include the "Bus in Garage Relativity Length Lorentz Transformation JavaScript Simulation Applet HTML 5" and the "EJSS Sim Web Editor by Raphael Yee." (Note: Many other examples are available in the source.)

Essay Format Questions:

1. Discuss the potential pedagogical benefits of using an interactive tool like the GameSalad Money Interactive for teaching basic money concepts to students. Consider aspects like engagement, immediate feedback, and active learning.
2. Analyze the design and functionality of the GameSalad Money Interactive. How effectively does it facilitate learning about money and calculating totals? What improvements, if any, could be suggested?
3. Explore the broader context of the Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore website. How does the GameSalad Money Interactive fit within the collection of resources available on this platform, and what does this suggest about the platform's overall goals?
4. Based on the information provided, discuss the role of interactive simulations and games in modern education, using the GameSalad Money Interactive as a specific example. What are the advantages and potential challenges of integrating such tools into the curriculum?
5. Consider the credits and acknowledgements associated with the GameSalad Money Interactive and the broader Open Educational Resources / Open Source Physics @ Singapore project. What does this information reveal about the development and sharing of educational resources in the digital age?

Glossary of Key Terms:

• Interactive: In the context of educational resources, interactive refers to tools or simulations that allow users to actively engage with the content, manipulate variables, and receive immediate feedback.
• Denomination: Refers to the different units of currency, such as individual coins or bills (e.g., cents, dollars).
• Calculation: The process of determining a numerical result using mathematical operations. In this context, it refers to summing the value of the selected money denominations.
• Embed: To integrate or insert content, such as a simulation or interactive model, into another digital platform, like a webpage, using code.
• Open Educational Resources (OER): Teaching, learning, and research materials that are freely available and can be used, adapted, and shared with no or limited restrictions.
• Open Source: A philosophy and practice that promotes free access to and redistribution of the source code of software, allowing for collaboration and modification.
• JavaScript: A popular programming language commonly used to create interactive elements and dynamic content on websites.
• HTML5: The latest evolution of the standard markup language for creating web pages and web applications, enabling rich multimedia and interactive features.
• Simulation: A computer-based model that imitates a real-world system or process, allowing users to explore and experiment with different scenarios.
• Applet: A small application, often written in Java or JavaScript, that runs within another application, typically a web browser.