Limitations
Five limitations to this study became apparent when conducting the computer-based video game research and after reviewing the results. First, all third-grade students had attended computer lessons and their ability to use basic computer tools and
Internet-browsing resources were a prerequisite for participating in this study. One issue needs to be considered to ensure the validity of research design: for some students, Fire Captain was their first experience playing a computer game. Playing computer games is different from using an Internet-browser, and that could cause a problem for some students. Whether a student can successfully play the game in 40 minutes became critical for the willingness and ability of a student to finish this game. 9 Second, a 40-minute class for developing complex higher-order thinking and a post-test within 24 hours for measuring participants’ outcomes may be inadequate. The amount of time for instruction should be taken into consideration for children’s play in play theory. In particular, how much time a student spends on play or practice could be a major factor influencing children’s motivation for learning and achievement. After all, human motivation is a function of human cognition involvement (McDevitt & Ormrod, 2004, p. 462). However, this study did not intend to address this question, although it will be an important consideration for future studies.