Combinatorial games as testbeds for learning patterns recognition: the nim app

Abstract

In this work, we show the first results of a project where a combinatorial mobile application is used as a tool to gather users’ data, allowing some understanding about the learning behaviour of users solving combinatorial tasks, in particular, related with the NIM game. To obtain the results, 6.514 games and 29.667 moves where analysed and players where considered as production units, that transform input resources, i.e. attempts, moves of game pieces, number of games played; into output results, e.g. number of victories. This approach may give some insights to the use of digital games as research tools in Education.