You are correct. Flying itself is a complex task. Therefore to be able to fly a scenario to collect data, we developed specific modules (modified MSFS lessons) such that useful data can be collected. For example, the lesson on slopes, rates etc of the video, the student launches the lesson and the airplane is brought to the initial automatically via autopilot. The students then are told via message on the screen to accelerate and decelerate the airplane. During this lesson, the student had control of only the throttle and the airplane is flown straight and level via autopilot. In an other module for example on circles, the student had control of bank angle while the altitude is maintained via autopilot. I hope this answers your question.

We had professional development for teachers before the summer camp for students. We introduced the teachers to the flight simulators and presented some learning modules. The teachers had hands-on activities and were asked to create a lesson based on the sample lesson with the flight simulator. We encouraged them to attend the students workshop and some of the teachers did. They were glad to see how the students interacted with the learning module. We still continue supporting teachers at schools to implement this approach. Please let me know if you still have further question or if something is not clear regarding the professional development for teachers.

Thanks Chadia this is helpful!

The biggest challenge is to develop ‘flights’ that have apprpriate restraints so that the student does not struggle with the ‘flight’ and can collect useful data. As mentioned in my previous response tha is how we have designed the flights. Anpther example is the ‘landing scenari’. In this case the student has controlover over the pitch of the airplane while the autopilot maintains the alignment with the runway.

The students use the keyboard and the joystick to fly. It is an easy process, the students enjoy it.
For the cost, the software is about $30 and the joystick around $30 too.

We had to change the audio recorder while recording the demo. Please check the captions (click on the cc). I apologize for that.

The students’ response is very positive. They are excited about ‘flying’ the sim. In the summer program program we registered a statistically significant pre-post improvement in content knowledge. We have deployed the approach in the local high schools where we support the teachers using the lesson modules on as needed basis. The students are very engaged in data extraction, plotting using excel and calculating e.g. slopes from the graphs.

Thank you. The students enjoyed the workshops especially flying. We gave a Pre-Test at the beginning of the workshop and a Post-Test. The tests scores showed that students improved their math and science skills and learned and reinforced the concepts. In addition, based on the survey students reported positive impact of the approach.