Mindtools: An Evaluation of Poptropica

Sarah Spyker
June 3, 2014
TLED530
Old Dominion University




Mindtools: An Evaluation of Poptropica
The mindtool, as described by Jonassen (2000), is a concept that embodies an intellectual
partner and facilitates critical and cognitive thinking. The mindtool to be discussed is an
interactive educational microworld called Poptropica. Poptropica can be accessed via the web at
the following address, www.poptropica.com. When the student first visits the website all that is
required is an e-mail address to begin their learning adventure. An adventure is just what this
microworld enables. Once a character is created the student has the ability to explore new world
like ancient Greece, the moon, a mad scientists laboratory! In each setting the student must
solve mysteries in order to advance in the game. Poptropica (2012) and its many settings requires
students to build on prior knowledge, make connections, and revisit topics already discussed as
they explore in this micro world. The students character can be saved, allowing progress to be
stored and learning to take place over and over again.
The purpose of this mindtool transcends beyond just the enjoyment of exploring a
microworld; the purpose includes knowledge construction and reflective thinking. Students
participating in the world of Poptropica engage in knowledge construction; actively building
their knowledge based while collecting clues to solve the settings mysteries. For example, a
student can talk to archeologists, in the game, to assist in finding the nose for the sphinx in
Egypt. The mindtool,
Poptropica, also requires the students to use reflective thinking. As a student navigates
through the variety of setting they encounter all kinds of situations in which a decision has to be
made, and a reflection must follow. For example; while solving the puzzle to open a vault, four
puzzle pieces must be slid into place in the correct order, one wrong move and the students
character might just wind up in a pit of mud! This puzzle allows the student to practice reflective
thinking; making a choice and thinking about the outcome.
This mindtool is an available application on most devices with the ability to access the
internet. However, it is not an app you can buy from a service provider or store, Its free!
However, if you would like to enhance the experience small fees can apply. Poptropica is a
computer based program and will run easily on most computer based products; tablets and some
cellular phones. As previously mentioned, Poptropica allows students to participate in
knowledge construction while they virtually visit places well outside the four walls of the
classroom. This mindtool is very generalizable, offering content in all educational core content
areas. In order to solve the mysteries the students must engage in critical thinking. Poptropica
uses transferable learning by presenting the students with content that can be applied in the
classroom. This mindtool requires in-depth thought as students travel from setting to setting
solving mysteries and there for uses powerful formalism. It is also very user friendly and easily
learnable.
This mindtool can be used easily in the classroom. Poptropica can be used as an
independent learning activity, engaging the students in new topics before being discussed in
class. It can also be used as a guided activity, by asking the student to play in a particular setting
and write a reflection or complete a comprehension assignment on what was explored while
learning. Lastly, Poptropica is so fun it can often be used as a motivator.



Reference
About Us- Poptropica. (2012). Retrieved from www.poptropica.com/about/about-
Poptropica.html
Jonassen, D. H. (2000). Computers as mindtools for schools, engaging critical thinking. Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey: PrenticeHall.