Build our Town - Using an Augmented Reality Game to Enhance Young Children's Spatial Cognition

Abstract

Having good spatial cognition strongly predicts children's later achievement in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) skills. How to improve children's spatial cognition properly and what type of games might enhance spatial ability were discussed in previous studies. Video games were proved significantly more effective than other games in improving spatial performance. Additionally, prvious studies indicate that augmented reality (AR) technology present unique features to stimulate children's optimal spatial learning. This paper presents preliminary work illustrating the utilization of an AR game: "Build our Town" that combines a virtual world with a real board game for the purpose of enhancing young children's spatial cognition.