Computer Games Advantages in Learning Mechanics : Practice in Lower Secondary School

Abstract

Many students have difficulties in understanding mechanics due to misconceptions. We have designed a series of computer games which help change such misconceptions and evaluated their effectiveness. The computer games are comprised of six games, each of which is a microworld of Newtonian mechanics. Students try to navigate a spaceship in the microworlds in order to successfully complete the given missions. Dots and arrows are shown on the screen to allow the students to find their misconception while first erroneously leading and then properly navigating the ship in the games. It is found that the computer games have advantages in learning mechanics. However, the games need some improvements in order to use them in the classroom.