The study of developing spatial ability by applying game-based learning

Abstract

Spatial ability is an important living ability. As an individual lives in the environment, he or she will overturn or rotate objects and identify directions; this is one type of spatial ability. In addition, identifying the differences of certain spatial abilities such as spatial orientation, spatial visualization or spatial reasoning is the performance of spatial ability. Whether computer games can assist the development of spatial ability or not is the focus that scholar discussed. In summary, this study tried to develop a cubic enumeration testing system by game-based learning theory and Item Response Theory (IRT) and used this challenging game to investigate its effect on students' development of spatial ability. The following are the research questions in this study: Can the game of spatial ability develop spatial ability? Are there difference between the developments of spatial ability assisted by different games. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.