Journal of Engineering Education Transformations

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Enhancing Software Engineering Learning Environment with Computer Games: A Case Study


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1 Associate Professor of Computing, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, American University of Kuwait - AUK, Kuwait
 

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Education gamification has been spreading in various disciplines such as languages, computer programming, medicine, natural languages, engineering, etc. Software Engineering is our interest in this work as we saw an opportunity of contribution to enrich literature and empirical studies in this area. Traditional methods of teaching Software Engineering could significantly benefit from gamification as a complementary component in student learning outcomes. We believe we can provide our students with more effective learning environment in number of aspects including: providing enjoyable practice, immediate feedback, enhancing the sense of responsibility, enhanced engagement and performance real time tracking. In this paper, we will present our case study in adopting a computer game in software engineering course. Further, we will present the results of a course exist survey that shows the responses of 114 participating students. The analysis of the survey showed significant positive impact on number of aspects including: student engagement, learning concepts and critical thinking. The overall mean of positive responses was 81.2%.

Keywords

Software Engineering Education, Enhancing Learning Environment, Utilizing Games in Learning.
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Abstract Views: 330

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  • Enhancing Software Engineering Learning Environment with Computer Games: A Case Study

Abstract Views: 330  |  PDF Views: 147

Authors

Aaron R. Rababaah
Associate Professor of Computing, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, American University of Kuwait - AUK, Kuwait

Abstract


Education gamification has been spreading in various disciplines such as languages, computer programming, medicine, natural languages, engineering, etc. Software Engineering is our interest in this work as we saw an opportunity of contribution to enrich literature and empirical studies in this area. Traditional methods of teaching Software Engineering could significantly benefit from gamification as a complementary component in student learning outcomes. We believe we can provide our students with more effective learning environment in number of aspects including: providing enjoyable practice, immediate feedback, enhancing the sense of responsibility, enhanced engagement and performance real time tracking. In this paper, we will present our case study in adopting a computer game in software engineering course. Further, we will present the results of a course exist survey that shows the responses of 114 participating students. The analysis of the survey showed significant positive impact on number of aspects including: student engagement, learning concepts and critical thinking. The overall mean of positive responses was 81.2%.

Keywords


Software Engineering Education, Enhancing Learning Environment, Utilizing Games in Learning.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet%2F2021%2Fv35i1%2F157618