Effects of Digital Game-Based Learning on Elementary Science Learning: A Systematic Review

IEEE Access, 7(1) (2019)

22 Pages Posted: 11 Jun 2019

See all articles by Mahmood H. Hussein

Mahmood H. Hussein

Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Siew Hock Ow

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Sau Cheong Loh

Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Meow-Keong Thong

Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Nader Ale Ebrahim

Research and Technology Department, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran, Postcode: 19938 93973; Centre for Research Services, Institute of Management and Research Services (IPPP), University of Malaya (UM); University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture

Date Written: May 13, 2019

Abstract

Digital game-based learning (DGBL) has been perceived as an engaging teaching approach to foster students’ learning and motivation. There are different opinions about the potential benefits of gaming on students’ academic achievements, motivation, and skills in science courses due to the lack of empirical evidence and mixed results. To address this issue, the present research paper provides a review of relevant literature from 2006 to 2017 to examine the effects of using educational computer games in teaching science at the elementary education level. This study employed a multidimensional framework to classify learning outcomes from studies of DGBL applications in the area of elementary science education. The findings of this review show a promising potential of DGBL, particularly in the area of content understanding. However, the findings of the review also suggest that there is a need to provide additional research in order to gain a more comprehensive picture of the educational effectiveness of DGBL. Hence, researchers are advised to conduct more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) various learning modes (e.g., collaborative, and individual), and comparisons of DGBL to traditional methods of teaching. Furthermore, researchers are highly encouraged to examine the effectiveness of DGBL applications in other areas, such as problem-solving and critical thinking. The findings of this review can benefit educational computer game designers, educators, and practitioners in the area of science education, particularly at the elementary level.

Keywords: Games, Education, Collaboration, Databases, Three-dimensional displays, Two dimensional displays, Systematics, Digital game-based learning, Science education, Serious games, Systematic review

JEL Classification: L1, L11, L7, M11, M12, M1, M54, Q1, O1, O3, Q31, Q32, P24, P42, P29, L17

Suggested Citation

H. Hussein, Mahmood and Ow, Siew Hock and Loh, Sau Cheong and Thong, Meow-Keong and Ale Ebrahim, Nader, Effects of Digital Game-Based Learning on Elementary Science Learning: A Systematic Review (May 13, 2019). IEEE Access, 7(1) (2019), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3394403

Mahmood H. Hussein

Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( email )

Jalan Lembah Pantai
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan 50603
Malaysia

Siew Hock Ow

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

Sau Cheong Loh

Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, Selangore
Malaysia

Meow-Keong Thong

Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, 50603
Malaysia

Nader Ale Ebrahim (Contact Author)

Research and Technology Department, Alzahra University, Vanak, Tehran, Iran, Postcode: 19938 93973 ( email )

Iran

Centre for Research Services, Institute of Management and Research Services (IPPP), University of Malaya (UM) ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan 50603
University of Malaya (UM)
Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan 50603
Malaysia

HOME PAGE: http://https://umresearch.um.edu.my/

University of Malaya (UM) - Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture ( email )

Kuala Lumpur, 50603
Malaysia

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