Application of Games-Based Learning In Introductory Computer Programming

Advocates of the use of games in education have long realised the power of games to engage and motivate. They have argued that games have the potential to be powerful pedagogical devices and have encouraged their use in various spheres of education. Game-based learning is a trend that utilises games in the learning process. It is a rapidly growing trend that is being fuelled by an expanding portfolio of success stories. Much of this success has been at primary and secondary levels of education but the adoption of game-based learning in higher education remains limited. Educators determined to tackle issues related to student motivation and engagement in higher education are being attracted by the motivational potential of games and with fewer barriers and growing access to gaming technology it is increasingly possible for educators to explore their use in higher education.

This workshop discusses the potential and pitfalls of using games in education. Participants will be given an overview of key developments in the areas of gamification, serious games and games based learning and will be introduced to a games-based approach to learning introductory computer programming. Participants will utilise a serious educational game to gain first-hand experience of game-based learning. The potential of this approach is discussed by drawing on existing literature and learning theories such as experiential learning and constructivism. The workshop will conclude by discussing future work and providing participants an opportunity to share their views.