Developing a Game-Based Learning for Branch and Bound Algorithm

The use of information technology in the e-Learning process gives positive and negative impacts. One of the positive impacts is the easy access for vast information; while the negative impacts is the ineffective learning because it makes students lazy. Previous research has used games or game elements to decrease the negative impacts of e-Learning. A survey about Algorithm Design and Analysis course was conducted, and it shows that there are some difficult subjects that need to be taught using an alternative method of learning. This research discusses how to design a video game in order to learn branch and bound algorithm and evaluate the game produced with the design. First, online surveys were done to gather the requirement, then the game design was made, then the game was implemented and evaluated. The evaluation would be used to make a better design for the next development iteration. The result of playtesting shows positive feedbacks and receives critics and suggestions. This research finds that designing a good game for learning is hard because developer must carefully define all elements in the game, so that everything is balanced and complements each other.