'Singapore Management University (SMU) has received international
recognition for excellence in digital education, earning a Highly Commended
award at the Digital Education Awards 2025 for its innovative initiative, CSI:
Statistics Learning. The accolade places SMU among a select group of global
institutions recognised for advancing teaching and learning through technology.
The award was presented in the Digital Game-Based Learning Product of
the Year category, underscoring SMU’s strength in combining creativity,
pedagogy, and technology. The recognition highlights how SMU digital game-based
learning initiatives are reshaping student engagement and learning outcomes in
higher education.
The award-winning initiative was developed by Rosie Ching, Principal
Lecturer of Statistics at Singapore Management University . Designed to address students’ long-standing
challenges with statistics, CSI: Statistics Learning uses an immersive,
narrative-driven format to make complex concepts more accessible.
In the game, students assume the role of undercover agents tasked with
solving real-world data problems. By framing statistical analysis within
investigative missions, the initiative transforms a traditionally intimidating
subject into an interactive and confidence-building experience. This approach
has become a flagship example of SMU digital game-based learning in practice.
The CSI series was named one of the best examples of game-based learning
in higher education by an international panel of judges. The initiative's
creative design, high learner engagement, and evident educational benefit were
praised by the judges.
They also highlighted the project's continued relevance over time,
pointing to its longevity and continuously favorable learner feedback as
important contributing aspects. The program shows how digital learning tools
can deliver challenging academic content without sacrificing student motivation
or fun, the panel said.
The CSI project began in 2012 and has since developed into a trilogy
that includes CSI: Agent on a Mission, CSI: The Prequel, and the forthcoming
CSI: Back in Time. Over 4,000 SMU undergraduates have watched the games over
the course of more than thirteen years, and they have received over 720,000
views worldwide.
As evidence of its impact outside of the university's classrooms, Singapore Management University 's digital game-based learning program now reaches students in 54 nations. The
initiative's capacity to engage students from a variety of academic backgrounds
and learning styles has led to its ongoing appeal on a global scale, according
to the judges.
The CSI series' meticulously planned design is the key to its success.
The games incorporate inclusive gaming mechanics, problem-solving quests,
multimedia narrative, and real data tools. Every mission guides students via
structured narratives that support learning objectives while posing analytical
problems.
The program's usage of specially created CSI Passports, which students
obtain at various stages, is one of its unique features. These act as
indicators of development and success, inspiring students and strengthening
their conceptual knowledge. This methodical yet adaptable technique is a prime
example of how SMU digital game-based learning fosters profound, significant
involvement.
Feedback from students has repeatedly emphasized the CSI series'
transforming power. Many students who had previously found statistics difficult
or intimidating experienced a dramatic change in perspective, characterizing
the experience as fun, interesting, and empowering.
Numerous pupils reported that the activities encouraged curiosity and
confidence while helping them get over their fear of numbers. The program
changed how many people thought about statistics, transforming it from a
perceived barrier into an engaging educational experience.
With the Highly Commended award, SMU joins prestigious international
organizations and institutions acknowledged for their innovative contributions
to digital education. The category had submissions from Australia, North
America, and Europe, and Kahoot! won the Gold Award.
In addition to the award, CSI: Statistics Learning has contributed to
scholarly conversations on digital pedagogy and been presented at worldwide
academic conferences. This increased visibility enhances SMU's standing as a
pioneer in cutting-edge instruction.
Reflecting on the recognition, Ching said the CSI series was created to
help students overcome fear and build confidence in statistics. She emphasised
that learning can be both rigorous and enjoyable, and that game-based
approaches provide a supportive environment for mastering complex concepts.
With its international recognition, Singapore Management University digital game-based learning
continues to set a benchmark for how storytelling, technology, and pedagogy can
be combined to deliver impactful, student-centred education.
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