ARG Completed! Survey Results Inside

I'll do a large summary/write-up eventually but I wanted to get my initial results out to those interested. I started my game in February and just ended last week. It was conducted on a 100% voluntary basis outside of class with no points or any reward at stake.

My goal this time around was really to test the viabilty of Alternate Reality Games as an educational tool. I asked the kids 10 survey questions to get their opinions on the game.

They responded to each question with a number using the following scale:

1 - not much
2 - sort of
3 - definitely

Here are the summary results from the 11 participants.

1. Did you enjoy the puzzles in the game?
Avg response: 2.9
2. Did you enjoy the storyline in the game?
Avg response: 3.0
3. Should there be more of the story told in the game?
Avg response: 2.3
4. Did you do any research outside of class for the game?
Avg response: 1.9
5. Was it easy to use Wikispaces?
Avg response: 2.4
6. Would you have been more involved in the game if you didn't have to use Wikispaces?
Avg response: 2.0
7. Would you have been more involved if the game was set up as a competition?
Avg response: 2.7
8. Would you like to learn like this in a normal classroom setting?
Avg response: 3.0
9. Did you work with others in this game more than you usually do in school?
Avg response: 2.2
10. Did the opening of the game interest you greatly in what would happen next?
Avg response: 2.3

Clearly not a scientific sample but I'm happy enough with the results to revise and retry next year with another group of kids. One notable thing is that the 11 kids all wanted to play again next year even when I tried to explain that they already knew all the solutions! I'm thinking I might write them into the story.

The level of analysis/reasoning that the kids used throughout the game was very impressive to me and I really do feel the story enhanced their understanding of history. Again, I'll do a full write up after I make some revisions and hopefully I can explain the whole process better. Thanks to those who helped me along the way with advice and ideas!