Using game development to measure motivation, engagement, and proficiency of students in human-computer interaction discipline

This paper describes a teaching approach supported by game development projects to teach the course Human- Computer Interaction. The main reason for adopting such an approach was the attempt to make the course more attractive and to reduce evasion. This approach aims for enhancing students' motivation, commitment, and proactivity during their learning process. In addition, a case study is presented in which a Math game was defined as the final artifact for each group of students. A total of 145 students took the course, and 115 were participants in this research. The results and discussions from both students’ and teachers’ standpoints, as well as the project itself, are presented.