Game-based learning in computer science education: a scoping literature review

Abstract

Using games in education has the potential to increase students’ motivation and engagement in the learning process, gathering long-lasting practical knowledge. Expanding interest in implementing a game-based approach in computer science education highlights the need for a comprehensive overview of the literature research. This scoping review aims to provide insight into current trends and identify research gaps and potential research topics concerning game-based learning in computer science. Using standard methodology for scoping review, we identified 113 articles from four digital libraries published between 2017 and 2021. Those articles were analyzed concerning the educational level, type of the game, computer science topic covered by the game, pedagogical strategies, and purpose for implementing this approach in different educational levels. The results show that the number of research articles has increased through the years, confirming the importance of implementing a game-based approach in computer science. Different kinds of games, using different technology, concerning different computer science topics are presented in the research. The obtained results indicate that there is no standardized game or standardized methodology that can be used for the creation of an educational game for computer science education. Analyzed articles mainly implement a game-based approach using learning by playing, and no significant focus is given to the effectiveness of learning by designing a game as a pedagogical strategy. Moreover, the approach is mainly implemented for developing computational thinking or programming skills, highlighting the need for its implementation in other topics beyond programming.

Innovative Methodologies and Approaches to Teaching with Artificial Intelligence in Ukrainian Higher Education

“…Analysing the research devoted to AI-based methodology in higher education, it was found that six teaching approaches are effectively applied. They include: differentiated instruction (Büyüksoy et al, 2020;Eikeland & Ohna, 2022), student-centered approach (Kerimbayev et al, 2023;Liao et al, 2021), technology-based approach (Kozlova & Pikhart, 2021;Zawacki-Richter et al, 2019), group learning (Kim et al, 2022b;Seo at al., 2021;Tan et al, 2022), game-based learning (Priyaadharshini et al, 2020;Videnovik et al, 2023), and competency-based approach (Margienė et al, 2022;Oroszi, 2020). Figure 2 shows the teaching approached in higher education with AI.…”

“…Accordingly, innovative methodology is related to implementation of a number of techniques oriented towards increasing efficiency of educational process and improve students' learning outcomes. They are the following: practical exercises (Biwer et al, 2020;Yang, 2022), group activities (Eager & Brunton, 2023;Kamalov et al, 2023), games and roleplays (Priyaadharshini et al, 2020;Videnovik et al, 2023), situational tasks (Boyko et al, 2021), problem-based tasks (Wu et al, 2020). We found that the use of these teaching methods helps instructors improve teaching with AI in the institutions of higher education since they are oriented towards: Enhancing student' engagement in the classroom; maximize adaptability and flexibility of technology and learning resources; incorporation of appropriate technology-enhanced instruments; increasing of students' motivation; improvement of collaborative learning and teamwork activities; formation of critical thinking skills; development of creativity.…”

“…The game-based learning is one of the most innovative teaching approaches as it is aimed at increasing students' interest in education by playing games (Priyaadharshini et al, 2020). Additionally, the game-based learning can be defined as the integration of educational content into a game format, fostering active participation and interaction among students in order to acquire new knowledge or cultivate professional skills (Videnovik et al, 2023). The findings show that AI-powered instruments allow to make the game-based learning environment more personalised, flexible, inclusive, and interactive (Wagan et al, 2023).…”

The Impact of Web Game-Based Teaching Method on the Academic Performance of Students Majoring in Computer Science Department in a Vocational College in Chengdu

“…Through continuous practice and experimentation, students gradually mastered various operational skills and problem-solving methods, improving their proficiency and accuracy in practical tasks. Integrating games into education has the potential to enhance students' motivation and engagement in the learning process, leading to the accumulation of enduring practical knowledge (Videnovik et al, 2023).…”

“So, we kind of started from scratch, no pun intended”: What can students learn from designing games?

“…Much research attention has been focused on learning through game playing (see recent reviews by Videnovik et al, 2023 andWang et al, 2023). However, very little has been focused on student learning through game making (Dishon & Kafai, 2020), especially in science.…”