The Effect of Educational Computer Game on Bloom’s Cognitive Levels in Learning and Retention of Mathematical Concepts in Students

Subject Areas : Infomartion Technology

Mohammad Hajizad ¹ , Fatemeh Firouzi ² , Saeid Saffarian Hamedani ³

1 - Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Neka Branch, Neka, Iran
2 - M.A. Graduate of Educational Technology, Islamic Azad University, Sari Branch, Sari, Iran
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, of Islamic Azad University, Sari Branch, Sari, Iran

Received: 2013-12-15 Accepted : 2014-05-14 Published : 2014-11-01

Keywords: learning, Retention, Educational Computer Game, Bloom's cognitive levels, mathematical concepts,

Abstract :

The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of educational computer games on Bloom’s cognitive levels in learning and retention of mathematical concepts in first grade primary school students. The method was quasi-experimental pretest/posttest with a control group. The statistical population included all the first grade primary school students who was studying in private schools in 2012-13 academic year (N= 295). Through cluster random sampling method, 100 students have been selected and divided into two control and two test groups. The research tool was researcher-made mathematics test in two levels (knowledge and comprehension) of Bloom’s cognitive levels. Its validity was confirmed by experts in mathematics lesson, and its reliability, using Cronbach Alpha, was calculated 0.79. Findings showed that educational computer games had positive effect on student mathematical concepts learning. On the other hand, an educational computer game had effect on the knowledge level of mathematical concepts in boy students, but it had no effect on the comprehension level of mathematical concepts in boy and girl students. Also, an educational computer game only had effect on the retention of girl students. In general, the research results indicated that educational computer games had positive effect on Bloom’s cognitive levels in the learning and retention of mathematical concepts.

References:

1. Abrams, L. (2008). The effect of computer mathematics games on elementary and middle school students’ mathematics motivation and achievement. Unpublished Doctoral dissertation, Capella University.


2. Aghlara, L., & Tamjid, N. H. (2011). The effect of digital games on Iranian children’s vocabulary retention in foreign language acquisition. Procedia of Social and Behavioral Sciences, 29, 552-560.


3. Aitkin, A. L. (2004). Playing at reality: Exploring the potential of the digital game as a medium for science communication. PhD Thesis, Australian National University.


4. Aminifar, E. (2007). Technology and improvement of mathematics at the tertiary level. Doctoral dissertation, University of Wollongong. Retrieved from http//Ro.Uow.EduAu/Theses/258/ (in Persian).


5. Benli, E., & Sarikaya. M. (2012). The investigation of the effect of problem based learning to the academic achievement and the permanence of knowledge of prospective science teacher: The problem of the boiler stone. Journal of Social and Behavioral Sciences, 46, 4317-4322.


6. Bergervoet, E. J., van der Sluis, F., van Dijk, E. M. A. G., & Nijholt, A. (2012). Bombs, fish, and coral reefs: The role of in-game explanations and explorative game behavior on comprehension. Vis Comput, (29), 99-110.


7. Betrus, A. K., & Botturi, L. (2010). Principle of the playing games for learning. In A. C. Hirumi (Ed.), Playing games in school: Video games and simulations for primary and secondary education, 33-55. Washington D.C.:International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).


8. Bonanro, P., & Kommers, P. A. M. (2005).Gender differences and styles in the use of digital games. Educational Psychology, 25(1), 13-41.


9. Brom, C., Preuss. M., & Klement, D. (2011). Are educational computer micro-games engaging and effective for knowledge acquisition at high-schools? A quasi-experimental study. Journal of Computers & Education, 57, 1971-1988.


10. Cankaya, S., & Karamete, A. (2008). The effects of educational computer games on students’ attitudes towards mathematics course and educational computer games. Journal of the Faculty of Education, 1, 116-127.


11. Dehghanzadeh, H., Nooorouzi, D., Jafarinejad, H., & Dehghanzadeh, H. (2013). The effectiveness rate of sum of numbers computer game in learning and retention in math lesson first elementary. Journal of Educational Psychology, 9 (28), 41-56.


12. Demirbilik, M., & Tamer, S. L. (2010). Math teachers’ perspectives on using educational computer games in math education. Journal of Procedia Social and Behaviorial Sciences, 9, 709-716.


13. Egenfeldt-Nilsen, S. (2005). Beyond edutainment: Exploring the educational potential of computer games. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. IT University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.


14. Facer, K., Ulicsak, M., & Sandford, R. (2007). Can computer games go to school? Emerging Technologies for Learning, 2, 47-55.


15. Garris, R., Ahlers, R., & Driskell, J. E. (2002). Games, motivation, and learning: A research and practice model. Simulation & Gaming, 33(4), 441- 467.


16. Gee, J. P. (2003). What video games have to teach us about learning and literacy. New York, Palgrave Macmillan.


17. Ghazvininejad, H. (2008). General play therapy. Tehran: Ayiz Pub. (in Persian).


18. Gorriz, C. M., & Medina, M. (2002). Engaging girls with computers through software games. Communications of the ACM, 43, 42-49.


19. Gredler, M. (1994). Designing and evaluating games and simulations. London: Gulf.


20. Gunter, B. (2004). The influence of computer and video games on children (Translated by PourAbedini, H.). Tehran: Roshd Pub. (in Persian) .


21. Hamalainen, R. (2008). Designing and evaluating collaboration in a virtual game environment for vocational learning. Computers & Education, 50(1), 98-109.


22. Ke, F. (2008). Computer games application within alternative classroom goal structures: Cognitive, meta cognitive, and affective evaluation. Educational Technology Research and Development, 56(5/6), 539-556.


23. Khoo, A., & Gentile, D. A. (2007). Problem- based Learning in the world of Digital Games. In O.-S. Tan (Ed.), Problem- based Learning in eLearning. Singapore: Thompson Learning, 97-129.


24. Kuzu, A., & Ural, N. (2008). Game choices and factors effecting on game choices of game players. Retrieved November 20, 2009, from http://www.ietc2008.anadolu. edu.tr/ online.php


25. Laughlin, D., Roper, M., & Howell, K. (2006). NASA eEducation roadmap: Research challenges in the design of massively multiplayer games for education and training. Washington, DC: NationalAeronautics and Space Administration's Office of the Chief Education Officer, Technology and Products Office.


26. Lee, A. C. K. (2003). Undergraduate students’ gender differences in IT skills and attitudes. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 19, 488-50.


27. Nilsson, E. M., & Svingby, G. (2009). Gaming as actions: Students playing a mobile educational computer game. HUMAN IT, 10(1), 26-59.


28. Papastergiou, M. (2009). Digital game-based learning in high school computer science education: Impact on educational effectiveness and student motivation. Journal of Computers & Education, 52(1), 1-12.


29. Prensky, M. (2001). Digital game-based learning. New York: McGraw-Hill.


30. Rastegarpour, H., & Marashi, P. (2011). The effect of card games and computer games on learning of chemistry concepts. Social and Behavioral Sciences, 31, 597-601.


31. Rosas, R., Nussbaum, M., Cumsille, P., Marianov, V., Correa, M., Flores, P., et al. (2003). Beyond Nintendo: Design and assessment of educational video games for first and second grade students. Computers & Education, 40, 71-94.


32. Roussou, M. (2004). Learning by doing and learning through play: An exploration of interactivity in virtual environments for children. Computers in Entertainment (CIE), 2(1), 10-10.


33. Seif, A. (2006). Educational psychology: Psychology learning and teaching. Tehran: Agah. (in Persian).


34. Seyyedi, S., Ahmadi, F., Nasri, S., & Sadrashrafi, M. (2012). The effect of using the experimental hand- made instruments on quality of physics education. Journal of Technology of Education, 7(2), 139-151. (in Persian).


35. Shabani, S. (2005). The effect of litener and traditional study methods on learning, retention and performance speed in English Vocabulary retention girl students in Shahid Chamran University. M.A. Thesis. Shahid Chamran University. (in Persian).


36. Shojaei, M. S. (2008). Child playing in Islam. Qom: Boostan Ketab Pub. (in Persian).


37. Sugimoto, M. (2007). What can children learn through game-based learning systems? Paper presented at the Digital Game and Intelligent Toy Enhanced Learning, Jhongli, Taiwan.


38. Tuzun, H., Yilmaz-Soylu, M., Karakus, T., Inal, Y., & Kizilkaya, G. (2009). The effects of computer games on primary school students' achievement and motivation in geography learning. Computers and Education, 52(1), 68-77.


39. Umay, A. (1996). Mathematics education and measurement. School Journal, 12, 145-149.


40. Uzun, N. (2012). A sample of active learning application in science education: The thema “cell” with educational games. Journal of Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2932-2936.


41. Velayati, E. (2012). The effect of educational computer game on learning, retention and achievement motivation in mathematic concepts of second grade elementary Mentally-retarded students. Master Thesis, Allameh Tabatabaie University. (in Persian).


42. Velayati, E., & Mousa Ramezani, S. (2010). Play to learn, learning through play. Proceeding of the Second National Conference on Modern Instructional Methods. Tehran: Teacher Training of Shahid Rajaee University. (in Persian).


43. Virvou, M., Katsionis, G., & Manos, K. (2005). Combining software games with education: Evaluation of its educational effectiveness. Educational Technology & Society, 8(2), 54-65.


44. Wangenheim, CH. G. V., Savi, R., & Borgatto, A. F. (2011). DELIVER! – An educational game for teaching earned value management in computing courses. Journal of Information and Software Technology, 54, 286-298.


45. Zareii Zavaraki, E., & Safei Movahed, S. (2004). E-learning in the 21 century: A framework for research and practice. Tehran: Oloum & Fonoon Pub. (in Persian).


46. Zoufan, S. (2004). New technologies implementation in instruction. Tehran: SAMT. (in Persian).