Improving Spatial Rotation Skills Through Video Games. A Pilot Experience in the First Year of Engineering

This study investigates how video games can improve spatial rotation skills in engineering students. Spatial skills are important in Graphic Expression subjects, but many students have underdeveloped abilities. The study involved 162 first-year students at the Technical University of Cartagena, who participated in a gaming session or performed traditional spatial visualization exercises. The Mental Rotations Test (MRT) was used to assess the initial and final skill levels. The results suggest that video games, such as Tetris and Block Out, can enhance spatial rotation skills, which could be beneficial for college students in areas that require this ability, although are less efficient than classical methods when used in a single intensive session. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness and long-term benefits of video game training in improving spatial skills and transferring them to real-world engineering tasks.