Improving Spatial Training Through the Analysis of Digital Game Play

• In Event: 28.087 - Computational Thinking Across Contexts

Abstract

Having high visual-spatial ability is important for several practical reasons. For example, the act of using a map, driving a car, playing an active sport, or walking around a new city all require visual-spatial skills. In terms of academics, high spatial ability is correlated to success in STEM fields. Spatial ability can be improved through a variety of training method, such as digital games. While meta-analyses have shown playing digital games can improve spatial ability, we need to determine what specific game mechanics contribute to these improvements. The purpose of this study was to determine what impact the game mechanics of two digital games designed to require use of spatial skills have on spatial ability.

Authors

• Andre R. Denham, The University of Alabama

• Beverly Roskos, The University of Alabama