How digital play and augmented reality can help develop higher-order thinking

Abstract

This investigation narrates how digital game playing while integrating augmented reality can help enhance higher-order thinking. Digital game playing, when referring to games played on computers, game consoles, or hand helds, can be considered a powerful learning tool in education. The central problem of this investigation lies in the fact that students cannot address everyday issues with assertiveness (Taplin, 2020) or logical thinking. Traditionally, teachers’ fear of integrating technology into their curriculum is leading educators to rely on traditional strategies in the classroom (Brady, 2012), thus creating repetitive cycles that provoke a lack of interest in learning in the students (Hubbell &Goodwin, 2019). Therefore, digital game-playing can be used to entice students into education. The role of play in children’s development and as a curricular strategy may help to foster higher-order thinking skills. Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory plays a crucial role in developing higher-order thinking. This investigation examined skills like collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, communication, designing, inventing, and constructing (Anderson & Krathwohl, 2001) from the digital point of view. The questions that guided this investigation were: 1) Which elements of digital play in learning help enhance the higher order thinking skills of analyzing, evaluating, and creating? 2) Which elements of augmented realities in learning help enhance the higher-order thinking skills of analyzing, evaluating, and creating? The most significant results showed that the players performed better inthe creating category, indicating a higher proficiency in higher-order thinking skills related to generating, planning, and producing. Moreover, the results suggest that playing video games that integrate augmented reality, such as Pokémon Go, can enhance higher-order thinking skills. The players had diverse perspectives, highlighting different aspects of the game. Their comments touch on gameplay mechanics, location features, Pokémon availability, safety considerations, social aspects, immersion, and the overall enjoyment of Pokémon Go. Suggestions included adding new Pokémon, expanding maps, improving augmented reality, and introducing difficulty levels. Strategies and ideas for gameplay were also created, with players adapting techniques and using specific hand movements.