Tangible Interfaces and Serious Games to Enhance Logical-Mathematical Reasoning and Computational Thinking in Higher Education Students

Abstract

This study analyzes the impact of serious games and tangible interfaces on developing logical-mathematical reasoning and computational thinking in the context of first-year higher education students. The research focused on implementing active objects and different types of feedback, visual, auditory, and tactile, in introductory courses of the Business Informatics program at the University of Costa Rica, Guápiles branch campus. Evaluation instruments were applied to measure these tools' effectiveness in acquiring key competencies. The main results revealed that visual feedback is the most effective in improving learning, while auditory feedback has provided a better educational experience. Also, tactile feedback has generated interest but presented difficulties in its interpretation. This research provides a solid basis for future research optimizing tangible interfaces in educational environments.