AgentSheets, Inc. is exploring the use of wirelessly connected handheld devices to run and author collective simulations for lifelong learning applications including K-12, secondary education and training. We developed a novel architecture called C⁵ (compact, connected, continuous, customizable, collective simulations) to tightly connect four information technologies (handheld devices, desktop computers, the Web, and end-user programming) into an engaging, inquiry-based learning environment.

This work is currently funded by a National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant (award number 1 R43 RR022008-02).

This work was initially funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grant (award number DMI-0232669) .

The concept

C⁵ is a distributed simulation framework that uniquely combines five principles for compact, connected, continuous, customizable, and collective simulations. It integrates hardware and software components into a unique and effective learning environment. Learners in a C⁵-enhanced learning environment engage in connected learning activities through wirelessly networked handheld devices (such as HP iPAQs equipped with IEEE 802.11b or BlueTooth) acting as simulation clients. These clients can access the Web through a simulation server. The simulation server is a centralized computer that lets users combine results from their individual simulations for general comparison, reflection, and group analysis. The server gathers data from client simulations and projects them serving as a visualization, simulation coordination, and classroom discussion tool. C⁵ is especially well suited for collaborative science and math projects.

Example: Mr. Vetro©, the simulated human being

Mr. Vetro© is an application we have developed using the C⁵ architecture. Mr. Vetro is a simulated human being whose organs such as the heart and lungs are distributed on client simulations running on handhelds.

Mr. Vetro

Monitor

Server

Lungs

Heart

Exercise Intensity

Clients

An interactive flyer enables you to play around with Mr. Vetro's parameters to get a sense of the interactions that occur and explains each aspect of the application. A PDF version of this flyer can be used for printing.

User studies have included activities such as giving Mr. Vetro's organs to groups of students and asking them to simulate situations such as Mr. Vetro being a heavy smoker and trying to go for a jog. This preliminary user experience has shown promise that the activities with Mr. Vetro are engaging and promote interesting inter-group as well as intra-group discussions and collaborations to solve the tasks presented to them. Moreover, the distributed simulation of a human being enables students to learn in new ways not previously available by simply reading about human organs and systems in books. Typically, in these book the human body systems, such as the respiratory and the circulatory systems, are presented in isolation and the relationship between the lungs and the heart functions is not completely clear. Mr. Vetro enables users to explore this relationship.

Overall, we believe that content such as Mr. Vetro adds a 6th "C" in C⁵ architecture: Compelling.

Other possible applications include Sustainopolis, the emerging Ecological Footprint of a community.

The opportunity

This project represents a powerful combination of newly available technology, cutting-edge software suited to educational applications, new emerging tools and a uniquely experienced team. AgentSheets, Inc. is actively seeking such commercialization partners to participate in and support the development and commercialization of this project. If you are interested in exploring a potential collaboration, please contact us.