Implementation of Digital Games in Advancing Students’ Higher-Order Thinking Skills: A Review

Abstract

The 4.0 industrial revolution transformed life remarkably. Dependence on technology is notable and influences the learning system in our country. In fact, its weight becomes more visible in the post-COVID-19 situation that strikes the world today. Online learning compels educators to be more creative in designing the learning process. One of them is to employ a digital game strategy in learning that utilises the elements of the game intending to motivate students, maximise positive feelings and engagement with the learning process. Furthermore, the application of this media can help to improve students’ higher-order thinking skills because through the digital game, students can explore innovative things as well as test their level of acceptance of the topics discussed in the lecture. Nonetheless, to what extent is the approach victorious in helping to overcome various problems in learning and able to improve students’ higher-order thinking skills? Therefore, this paper identified the implementation of digital games in learning and its implications for the advancement of higher-order thinking skills of students either at the secondary or tertiary education level. Extensive literature review methods were administred to identify and present data relevant to the current situation, especially in the learning atmosphere in this epoch of COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, this research addressed the fundamental concepts of digital games, its implementation and function in enhancing students’ higher-order thinking skills. Further, the researchers proposed that this study would contribute to educators, particularly in improving the efficiency of technology. Ergo, it would be supporting students to explore novel ideas.

Enhancing HOTS using Problem-Based Learning and Digital Game in the Context of Malaysian Primary School

“…Recent studies shown that digital game is effective in developing 21st century skills including HOTS either in Malaysia or out of Malaysia [36]. Besides, digital games also influence attitude toward learning in positive magnitude and it would affect their learning performance [37], [38].…”

Improving Digital Game-based Learning Assessment to Acquire High-Order Thinking Skills Using Bloom’s Taxonomy

“…Implementing this idea is a complex task. In today's information age, dependency on technology is notable and influences the learning system [2], the 4th industrial revolution, past the COVID-19 era, remarkably transformed the way we live and learn. Game learning compels creative learning, motivates students, and provides opportunities to explore innovative content.…”

Exploring changes in special education teachers’ attitudes and design belief towards pedagogical agents in co-designing with children

“…To challenge participants to identify and investigate diverse use of pedagogical agents as learning tools across disciplines, the researcher modeled five core instructional practices. The modeling practices included positioning teachers as designers with the use of pedagogical agents [48]; exploring higher-order thinking tasks to rethink the use of pedagogical agents [49]; developing problemsolving and research skills to enhance understanding; engaging learners in collaborative learning [50]; and conducting formative, summative, as well as pre-assessment assessments [51].…”