Digital Competition Game to Improve Programming Skills

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to describe a digital game with an educational purpose in the subject of computer programming, which enables students to reinforce and improve their abilities on the concepts of sequencing, defined iteration and nesting. For its design, a problem solving approach was followed and a score comparing mechanism was implemented in order to encourage students to analyze their solutions and look for better ones. To validate the game, a study with a 123 students sample was made, which did not only demonstrate students interest on the approach but also its educational effectiveness.