Gamification to Engage and Motivate Students to Achieve Computer Science Learning Goals

Despite rapid growth and the promise of a lucrative degree, the attrition rate for students studying Computer Science is high. Computer Science learning is a difficult, tedious process with a heavy workload which demands a lot from those studying it. A student who loses motivation or interest in the field is more likely to find a new area of study. In order to keep students interested and motivated, difficult concepts need to be taught in new, more engaging and interactive ways that feel fun. Students are willing to take on hard, frustrating, and even time-consuming challenges within video games for intangible rewards and feelings of accomplishment. Therefore, our goal is to gamify Computer Science learning to achieve the same levels of engagement and fulfillment as video games do. To do so, we have begun development of a serious game that introduces CS concepts in a fun and interactive way. To measure the level of interest and engagement brought on by this game, we let volunteers from CS as well as in other majors play our prototype. After playing the games, each volunteer filled out a survey comparing their enjoyment in learning through games as opposed to traditional classroom learning. With this feedback we concluded that gamification is key in changing the learning experience for CS students and will help them achieve their learning goals.