Abstract
Introductory programming courses in computer science aim at building an effective foundation for the development of programming skills. A prudent way to develop these skills is by emphasizing problem solving and logical thinking. This paper proposes a games-based approach, as a way of engaging students and developing these skills. Common mistakes of novice programmers in traditional courses are summarized. Word and number games are used to illustrate the potential benefits of a games-based approach, which minimizes such mistakes.
- Barnes, D., and Kölling, M., Objects First with Java - A Practical Introduction Using BlueJ, Prentice-Hall, 2002.]] Google ScholarDigital Library
- Giguette, Ray, "Pre-Games: Games Designed to Introduce CS1 and CS2 Programming Assignments," Proceedings of the 34th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Vol. 35, No. 1, 2003]] Google ScholarDigital Library
- Goldman, K. J., "A Concepts-First Introduction to Computer Science," Proceedings of the 35th. SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Norfolk, VA, 2004]] Google ScholarDigital Library
- Greco, J., "Designing a Computer to Play Nim: A Mini-Capstone Project in Digital Design I, Proceedings of the ASEE Annual conference and Exposition, Salt lake city, UT, 2004]]Google Scholar
- Ladeau, A, Brain-based Learning, http://www.fcae.nova.edu/~turgeonm/bbl.html]]Google Scholar
- Meyer, J. and Dwyer, C., "A Case Study In Teaching Programming Using A Hybrid Instructional Model," The Proceedings of ISECON, v 17, 2000]]Google Scholar
- Pollard, S. and Forbes, J., "Hands-On Labs Without Computers." Proceedings of the 34th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, Vol. 35, No. 1, 2003]] Google ScholarDigital Library
- Raviv, Daniel, "Hands-On Activities For Innovative Problem Solving," Proceedings of the ASEE Annual conference and Exposition, Salt lake city, UT, 2004.]]Google Scholar
Index Terms
- A games-based approach for teaching the introductory programming course
Recommendations
A games first approach to teaching introductory programming
SIGCSE '07: Proceedings of the 38th SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science educationIn this paper we argue for using a "Game First" approach to teaching introductory programming. We believe that concerns over whether an OO approach or a procedural approach should be used first are secondary to the course assignment and example content. ...
A games first approach to teaching introductory programming
In this paper we argue for using a "Game First" approach to teaching introductory programming. We believe that concerns over whether an OO approach or a procedural approach should be used first are secondary to the course assignment and example content. ...
An Approach to Teaching Introductory Programming for IT Professionals Using Games
This paper addresses the difficulties of teaching introductory programming to students in the field of information technologies and computer science. It reviews several existing approaches to make learning programming more attractive: using games or ...
Comments