Election Lab Online (ELO) is a web-based Swing States strategy learning game designed to explore key civic issues such as voting and the role of the Electoral College in U.S. Presidential Elections.
Cross-disciplinary Approach
ELO uses the STEAM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Math) framework to foster:
• Statistical Literacy
• Data Visualization
• Evidence-based Argumentation
• Ethical Data Use
This approach informs players about U.S. presidential elections using real data and scenarios.
Authentic Experience
By incorporating real elections and data, ELO offers an immersive experience that enhances engagement and learning and connects players with historical events.
Educational Value
ELO goes beyond gaming by functioning as a mini statistics lab. Simulating real-world elections helps players gain insights into the critical role of swing states in presidential elections, civic participation, voting and the importance of statistical literacy for informed decision-making.
Our Journey: A Family of Educators and Entrepreneurs
Driven by a family of educators and researchers, this project seeks to make election and statistical concepts accessible and engaging. Our family’s shared passion for education has led to the creation of Election Lab, delivering a meaningful learning experience through interactive game-play.
Entrepreneurial Path
From brainstorming to collaborating with players, students, educators, researchers and developers, our goal has been to build a scalable, user-friendly platform that educates about presidential elections in an engaging way.
Impact
Educators praise Election Lab for simplifying complex concepts while making learning fun:
- “It is quite fun and REALLY provides a great understanding of the fight for the swing states. “
- “If you are looking for ways to Teach the Election, start with Election Lab. “
Players also report increased interest in politics and improved decision-making skills:
- “This game is so fun!”
- “This is so engaging.”
- “Having historic elections and modeling future elections is brilliant!”
- “This is very helpful. Now I understand what I did not before.”
Knowing our game makes a tangible impact is our greatest reward.
Looking Ahead
We are committed to evolving Election Lab to further promote informed participation in elections and to reach a wider audience with this educational tool.
Key Points of Election Lab 2024
1. Upcoming U.S. Presidential Election:
• The next election is on November 5th, 2024.
• Election Lab 2024 allows players to explore various Swing State strategies to chart a path to presidential victory.
2. Immersive Civic Engagement:
ELO sparks curiosity and supports voter-related activities nationwide, blending educational technology with data science, election resource management, and electoral college strategies.
3. Game-based Learning:
ELO enhances civic, historical, and STEM skills through its unique cross-disciplinary approach.
4. Supported by Prestigious Grants:
ELO is funded by competitive grants from the U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences, built on a solid research foundation.
5. Voting as a Social Determinant of Health:
ELO also highlights the importance of voting in healthcare discussions.
Our mission is to bridge the understanding gap between the Electoral College and the electoral process through state-of-the-art educational innovation.
Jasminka Vukanovic-Criley MD, FACP, FHM is a multiple award-winning physician, from cancer researcher, internal medicine physician, and Medical School Associate Clinical Professor to entrepreneur. She has mentored many undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students and faculty. She is the Principal Investigator on studies from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Education creating research-driven #edtech games and digital media to improve health, civics, science education, and healthy habits. Dr Criley is also a founding Board member of Physician’s Weekly. She can be reached on X at @criley_md and at www.linkedin.com/in/jasminka-criley-md