CSI: Agent on a Mission Games

Abstract Book of the 10th International Conference on Modern Research in Education, Teaching and Learning

Year: 2026

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CSI: Agent on a Mission Games

Rosie Ching

ABSTRACT:

CSI: Statistics Learning is an original digital educational game that reframes statistics as an investigative process rather than a mere analytical module. Developed by Singapore Management University Principal Lecturer of Statistics Rosie Ching, the game places students in the role of agents solving missions across global locations, where progression depends on correct statistical reasoning, including hypothesis testing, regression, and confidence intervals.
Unlike most educational games, CSI has been embedded within undergraduate teaching for fourteen years, implemented across more than 27 cohorts and over 4,140 students. Beyond Singapore, the game has achieved international reach with downloads in 54 countries and over 800,300 digital views and has gained international education awards, alongside recognition from global education awards including QS Reimagine Education.
CSI addresses a persistent barrier in higher education where statistics is often perceived as abstract, dry and inaccessible. Such resistance and stereotypes are erased with decision-driven gameplay, requiring players to interpret data, evaluate evidence, and make analytically justified choices that directly affect mission outcomes.
Through scaffolded progression with checkpoints of statistical reasoning, CSI supports diverse learners whilst maintaining strong intellectual challenges. It powerfully demonstrates how a sustained, large-scale educational game can integrate rigorous academic content and immersive design to achieve measurable learning impact in higher education.

Keywords: Game-Based Learning, Educational Games, Statistics Education, Higher Education, Statistical Reasoning, Experiential Learning, Digital Learning, Curriculum Integration