Minecraft as a block building approach for developing spatial skills

Abstract

Spatial skills belong to a group of functions and capacities that allow for the manipulation and processing of spatial information. Spatial skills are essential in STEM fields where students need to imagine objects in different orientations, manipulate three-dimensional models, and mentally reconstruct drawings from two to three dimensions. However, many students have difficulty with understanding 3D spatial geometry and the transitions between 2D and 3D. Making accurate drawings of spatial objects and 3D visual-spatial understanding are factors that impact one’s ability to learn spatial geometry. Spatial skills can be developed through specific training with appropriate tools, and Minecraft allows for the creation of and interaction with 3D objects and scenarios. The present study investigated the impact of a block-building workshop that implemented Minecraft activities on the development and training of students’ mental rotation skill. After the workshop, participants showed an improvement on the mental rotation task. In the development of mental rotation skill field have been carried out in other research different strategies using 3D modeling, SketchUp, Tetris, Block 3D apps and Augmented Reality. The activity carried out with Minecraft offers good results, only surpassed by augmented reality.