Considerations for the Design of Mini-games Integrating Hints for Puzzle Solving ICT-Related Concepts

Educational games have been proved to be learning environments that are more in correspondence with new generation of students since they can provide successful learning and motivate students in their learning process. In this line, several studies describe the main factors that games should have in order to design engaging learning experiences. Taking into account these factors, this paper presents the design of three different game-based learning environments providing hints for puzzle solving different tasks within the area of computer architecture, programming fundamentals, and computing networks. An evaluation carried out with secondary and higher education students provides further considerations regarding the design of hints, score, and supportive learning material that should be taken into account when creating such kind of games.