Interactive game-based learning

Abstract

Teaching programming languages is one of the foundations of computer science education and usually one of the first courses novice students take. It is important for the teachers to gain students’ attention and strengthen their motivation for learning to program with the help of a variety of teaching methods. Learning programming is a difficult task for many students. Traditional lectures have shown to be insufficient and inefficient to provide students enough knowledge for programming because of the low attendance rate to lectures. Hence, teachers are looking for various methods to make learning more engaging and effective. This project proposes a new interactive learning method - Game-based learning (GBL) or gamification for CZ1003 Introduction to Computational Thinking Module in Nanyang Technological University (NTU). This aims to offer exciting and stimulating assignments which require more contribution from the students and encourage them to explore further beyond the course. The project would be evaluated on the current traditional teaching method as well as format and advantages of the proposed game-based interactive learning in the context of CZ1003 module in NTU.