sCool: Impact on Human-Computer Interface Improvements on Learner Experience in a Game-Based Learning Platform

Martin Sackl*, Alexander Steinmaurer, Christopher Cheong, France Cheong, Justin Filippou, Christian Gütl

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperpeer-review

Abstract

As many concepts in programming are difficult for novices to learn, it can be frustrating for them to stay motivated. For this purpose, alternative approaches like game-based learning can help increase their motivation. sCool is a serious game that supports learning computational skills through conceptual aspects and practicing programming, but is also used in revision activities as it provides an engaging way for students to review their understanding of programming. In a revised version of sCool, we focus on obtaining an improved human-computer interface (HCI) by adapting several interface aspects. Thus, our research goal is to determine the effects of the improved interface on novice student programmers' revision of learning programming, but also how experienced student programmers perceive the interface. In a preliminary study on the revised version of sCool, 11 novice and 9 experienced student programmers played the game and completed a survey providing data to answer the defined research questions. We are able to show that the improved interface has a positive impact on novices' revision of learning programming as well as on the game-play of sCool.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEducating Engineers for Future Industrial Revolutions
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 23rd International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL2020)
EditorsMichael E. Auer, Tiia Rüütmann
Place of PublicationCham
PublisherSpringer International Publishing AG
Pages439-451
Number of pages13
Volume1
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-030-68198-2
ISBN (Print)978-303068197-5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Event2020 International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning: ICL 2020 - Virtuell, Tallinn, Estonia
Duration: 23 Sept 202025 Sept 2020

Publication series

NameAdvances in Intelligent Systems and Computing
Volume1328
ISSN (Print)2194-5357
ISSN (Electronic)2194-5365

Conference

Conference2020 International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning
Abbreviated titleICL 2020
Country/TerritoryEstonia
CityVirtuell, Tallinn
Period23/09/2025/09/20

Keywords

  • Coding
  • Human-computer-interaction
  • Mobile learning
  • Serious game

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Computer Science(all)

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