Designing a novel educational game for teaching C# programming

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Supplementary material

Other Title

Authors

Hinds, M.
Baghaei, Nilufar
Ragon, P.
Lambert, J.
Dajakaruna, T.
Houghton, T.
Dacey, Simon
Casey, John

Author ORCID Profiles (clickable)

Degree

Grantor

Date

2017-04

Supervisors

Type

Conference Contribution - Paper in Published Proceedings

Ngā Upoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings)

Keyword

C# programming
RunJumpCode
platformer video games
problem solving

Citation

Hinds, M., Baghaei, N., Ragon, P., Lambert, J., Dajakaruna, T., Houghton, T., Dacey, S., & Casey, J. (2017, April). Designing a Novel Educational Game for Teaching C# Programming. Bruce M. McLaren (Ed.), 9th International Conference on Computer Supported Education, Porto, Portugal.

Abstract

Learning to code can be a daunting experience for a lot of students. RunJumpCode is a novel 2D platformer video game, designed and developed in Unity, to teach players the fundamental concepts of C# programming. The game enhances the player’s programming knowledge by providing a fun range of challenges and puzzles to solve. We promoted the interaction of programming through a ‘Code Box’, allowing players to enter lines of predefined code that modifies in-game objects. This tool is essential in completing the challenges and puzzles we designed. To allow alterations of its properties, we made further manipulation of each object possible, which would give the player creative freedom to complete each level. Quizzes and journals were utilized to assess and collate their learnt material for future reference. In addition, we created a mobile application to track each player’s statistics throughout the game and compare their progress with other users. The results of a pilot study showed that users enjoyed playing the game and found it valuable for enhancing their programming knowledge.

Publisher

Computer Supported Education (CSEDU Secretariat)

Link to ePress publication

DOI

Copyright holder

Authors

Copyright notice

All rights reserved

Copyright license

Available online at

This item appears in: