USING VIDEO GAMES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION

Abstract

Recent research on the use of video games for computer science (CS) education was reviewed to identify potential benefits, summarize useful experiences, synthesize empirical evidence on the effectiveness of video game use for CS education, and identify areas for further research. The benefit most frequently-identified was increased student motivation, particular to learn programming. Implementation strategies include using games to motivate students, making games to teach CS topics, and using games as environments or examples to teach CS topics. Methodologies vary widely and results about the effectiveness of these uses are inconclusive. Further empirical research is needed to better understand the potential impact and effective education implementation of video games in computer science.