Influence of problem-based learning games on effective computer programming learning in higher education

• Published in: Educational technology research and development Vol. 68; no. 5; pp. 2615 - 2634
• Main Authors: Chang, Chiung-Sui, Chung, Chih-Hung, Chang, Julio Areck
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.10.2020; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Active Learning; Cognitive Style; College Students; Competence; Computer Games; Computer Interfaces; Computer programming; Computer Science Education; Computer Use; Cooperative Learning; Courseware; Critical Thinking; Development Article; Education; Education, Higher; Educational Games; Educational Objectives; Educational software; Educational Technology; Game Based Learning; Games; Higher Education; Independent Study; Influence of Technology; Instructional Effectiveness; Learner Engagement; Learning and Instruction; Learning Motivation; Learning Processes; Learning Strategies; Literature Reviews; Meta Analysis; Problem Based Learning; Problem Solving; Programming; Student Motivation; Student Satisfaction; Problem-based learning; Computer programming; Perception; College students; Game-based learning
• ISSN: 1042-1629; 1556-6501
• DOI: 10.1007/s11423-020-09784-3

Gaming is a part of today’s society, especially for younger generations. Therefore, game-based approaches are unsurprisingly used for learning achievement. In this study, a game-based learning courseware was implemented using a problem-based strategy. For this purpose, a game known as ‘Programmer Adventure Land’ was designed and developed. A group of college students were asked to play the game to improve their knowledge of computer programming. Results indicated that the problem-based learning approach of the game can enhance the satisfaction, enjoyment, motivation, and user interface for the problem-based game learning courseware. The main finding of this study is that Problem-based games provide teachers with an effective approach for enhancing students’ learning satisfaction in difficult subjects, such as computer programming.