Using Educational Computer Games for Science Teaching: Experiences and Perspectives of Elementary Science Teachers in Taiwan

Introduction

Rapid development in information technologies has dramatically influenced the ways of teaching and learning (Knezek & Christensen, 2002). This has also enhanced the role of computer games, which are no longer considered merely a form of entertainment, but also a form of edutainment. Recently, a growing number of researchers and educators have recognized the powerful potential of using computer games for educational purposes (e.g., Connolly et al., 2012; Gee, 2003a, 2003b; Kebritchi, 2010; Paraskeva, Mysirlaki, & Papagianni, 2010). In particular, the use of educational computer games can provide more active involvement, promoting personal motivation and satisfaction, accommodating multiple learning styles, and providing interactive and decision-making contexts (Kebritchi & Hirumi, 2008; Kebritchi, 2010). Prensky (2001) proposed the term “digital game-based learning” (DGBL), noting how the motivation of games could be combined with curricular goals and content.

In recent years, digital game-based learning has been implemented in many learning domains, and the use of computer games in education has long been a focus of interest for researchers in different subjects (Paraskeva, Mysirlaki, & Papagianni, 2010; Peterson, 2010). In one of these subjects, science education, educational computer games have also been increasingly discussed (e.g., Annetta et al., 2009a; 2009b; Barab et al., 2005; Mason, Bub, & Lalonde, 2011). For science learners, scientific concepts can be relatively more abstract and complicated compared to other disciplines, and scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills often require long-term cultivation and repeated practice. As a result, science learners generally exhibit a sense of anxiety and face difficulties in science learning. To help them overcome their learning anxiety and difficulties, and to improve their learning motivation and outcomes, the use of computer games in science learning has received increasing attention from science educators and researchers in recent years (Hwang & Wu, 2012).

Despite the potential benefits of game-based learning, educational computer games have not been widely adopted by teachers (Kebritchi, 2010). It should be noted that while learners’ learning styles are changing rapidly with the development of technology and the Internet, teachers’ instructional strategies and the pedagogical methods they use are not synced with this change. More specifically, traditional didactic instructional teaching methods are still prevalent in many schools, resulting in the low motivation of learners (Lim, 2008). However, today’s learners are often recognized as “digital natives” (Annetta, 2008; Prensky, 2001, 2006). Most are positive about and familiar with using new information and communication technologies, including computer games (Paraskeva et al., 2010; Blakely et al., 2010). Besides, in their daily lives, they are also used to interacting and collaborating through various social networking tools or computer games (Ketehut & Schifter, 2011). This means that, to motivate these digital native students, teachers have to adapt to their learning styles. In other words, teachers may play a central role in implementing game-based learning in schools.