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Student perceptions in the design of a computer card game for learning computer literacy issues: a case study

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Abstract

The aim of this work was twofold. First, an empirical study was designed aimed at investigating the perceptions that entry-level non-computing majors -namely Physical Education and Sport Science (PESS) undergraduate students- hold about basic Computer Literacy (CL) issues. The participants were 90 first-year PESS students, and their perceptions were elicited through a written questionnaire. The data analysis revealed scientifically acceptable perceptions as well as various empirical, vague, incomplete and erroneous perceptions. Second, those students’ prior knowledge was utilized to design and implement an Educational Computer Card Game (ECCG) aimed at helping PESS students overcome their conceptual difficulties and approach the aforementioned CL issues in a scientifically consistent manner. The ECCG was designed taking into account basic digital game-based learning principles in combination with basic aspects of social and constructivist perspectives to learning. The ECCG was also pilot-tested in the field with real students, and the results were encouraging.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Mr. Haris Siempos computer engineer and master’s student, for his help in a primary analysis of the data collected through the questionnaire investigating students’ prior knowledge.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cultural Technology and Communications, University of the Aegean, University Hill, 81100, Mytilene, Greece

    Maria Kordaki

  2. Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, University of Thessaly, Karyes, 42100, Trikala, Greece

    Marina Papastergiou

  3. Department of Cultural Technology and Communications, University of the Aegean, University Hill, 81100, Mytilene, Greece

    Panagiotis Psomos

Authors
  1. Maria Kordaki
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  2. Marina Papastergiou
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  3. Panagiotis Psomos
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maria Kordaki.

APPENDIX: Questions

APPENDIX: Questions

  1. 1.

    Computers types

    1. Q1.1:

      Personal computers are the most powerful computer type that exists today [True/False]. Justify your answer:

    2. Q1.2:

      Apart from the desktop and the laptop, there are other forms of personal computers available today [True/False]. Justify your answer:

  2. 2.

    The concepts of hardware and software

    1. Q2.1:

      Complete the two following sentences in your own words.

      The computer’s hardware is:

      The computer’s software is:

    2. Q2.2:

      For each of the following sentences choose True or False.

      The software guides the hardware in the execution of various tasks [True/False]

      The hardware is useless without the software [True/False]

      The software can be used without the hardware [True/False]

  3. 3.

    Data representation in the computer

    1. Q3.1:

      How do you think a number (e.g. number 5) is represented internally in the computer?

    2. Q3.2:

      How do you think a character (e.g. letter A) is represented internally in the computer?

    3. Q3.3:

      How do you think a photograph is represented internally in the computer?

    4. Q3.4:

      A bit can take the following values: a) 0 and 1, b) 1, 10, 100 and 1000, c) from 0 to 255, d) from 0 to 1023

    5. Q3.5:

      Which of the following do you think is correct: a) a byte is a sequence of 8 bits, b) bit and byte are identical, c) a bit is a sequence of 8 bytes

    6. Q3.6:

      Fill in the blanks with the words ‘analog’ and ‘digital’ (where you think each one fits): “The sound card converts the voice that one enters through the microphone into ………. form so that it can be stored in the computer. It also converts the sound data stored in the computer into ………. form with a view to sending them to the speakers”

  4. 4.

    Hardware components of a personal computer

    Role of the CPU and other components

    1. Q4.1:

      Link each element of column A to the element of column B which you think it corresponds with:

      A

      B

      RAM

      The computer’s most important electronic circuits and devices are placed on it

      Ports

      Decodes and executes the instructions of the programs, and controls other devices of the computer

      Motherboard

      Memory for the temporary storage of the instructions and data of the programs that are executed

      Power supply unit

      Memory only for reading, where basic programs necessary for the computer’s booting are stored

      Expansion cards

      Serves as intermediate storage between the CPU and RAM

      Cache memory

      They are inserted into specific slots of the motherboard to enhance the computer’s functionality

      Central Processing Unit (CPU)

      Specific outlets used for the communication of the CPU with peripheral devices

      ROM

      Converts alternating current to direct current and transforms high voltage to low voltage

    2. Q4.2:

      During the execution of a program, where (CPU or RAM) do you think each of the following functions is performed:

      Function

      CPU

      RAM

      Storage of instructions and data to be processed

      		  

      Decoding of instructions

      		  

      Execution of instructions

      		  

      Reading of instructions and data

      		  

      Performance of basic arithmetic and logical operations

      		  

      Writing of results

      		  

      Primary storage

    3. Q4.3:

      When the computer is powered down, the RAM contents are: a) preserved, b) lost

    4. Q4.4:

      The RAM consists of many equal-sized memory locations that are numbered consequentially beginning from 0 (see figure). Location 3 can be accessed: a) directly, b) only after locations 0, 1 and 2 have been accessed

      Location 0

      Location 1

      Location 2

      Location 3

      …

    5. Q4.5:

      The ROM loses its contents when the computer is powered down [True/False]

    6. Q4.6:

      The computer user can store data in the ROM [True/False]

    7. Q4.7:

      Given that the computer has got main memory (namely the RAM), why does it need to have a hard disk?

      Secondary storage

    8. Q4.8:

      Link each element of column A to the element of column B with which you think it corresponds:

      A

      B

      Optical disk drives

      Electromagnetic heads are used to create a magnetic field on the storage medium

      Hard disk drives

      Data are read through concentrating a laser beam on the surface of the storage medium

    9. Q4.9:

      You want to write data on a CD and later delete them. Which type of CD will you use: a) CD-ROM (CD-Read Only Memory), b) CD-R (CD-Recordable), c) CD-RW (CD-ReWritable)

    10. Q4.10:

      Link each element of column A to the element of column B with which you think it corresponds:

      A

      B

      CD-R

      Cannot be written, but can be read many times

      CD-RW

      Can be written only once, but can be read many times

      CD-ROM

      Can be written and read, both many times

    11. Q4.11:

      A DVD-ROM drive can write on a data DVD [True/False]

    12. Q4.12:

      A DVD-RW drive can write data on a CD-R [True/False]

  5. 5.

    Software aspects of a personal computer

    1. Q5.1:

      For each of the following sentences choose True or False.

      One can use a typical computer without an operating system, but not without application software [True/False]

      The operating system is the most fundamental software of the computer, whereas the application software are programs specifically designed for the user to perform various tasks [True/False]

    2. Q5.2:

      ‘During the booting of the computer the operating system is loaded’. This means that it is copied: a) from the RAM to the hard disk, b) from the hard disk to the RAM

      1. Q5.3:

        If you buy a computer program, it is legal that you copy it and distribute it to your friends [True/False]

      2. Q5.4:

        Link each element of column A to the element of column B with which you think it corresponds:

        A

        B

        Open source software

        Software that is distributed free of charge

        Shareware

        Software that one can use free of charge for a certain period of time

        Freeware

        Software the programming code of which is freely available

  6. 6.

    Computer viruses

    1. Q6.1:

      A computer virus is: a) a program that reproduces itself and causes undesirable actions, b) a program that detects and locates infected files on the computer, c) a chip that when installed in the computer causes damage, d) a chip that when installed in the computer infects files

    2. Q6.2:

      Write three different symptoms that you think a computer infected by a virus presents:

    3. Q6.3:

      Write three different ways in which you think a computer can be infected by a virus:

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Kordaki, M., Papastergiou, M. & Psomos, P. Student perceptions in the design of a computer card game for learning computer literacy issues: a case study. Educ Inf Technol 21, 837–862 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-014-9356-2

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