Experiences of Promoting Student Engagement Through Game-Enhanced Learning

Abstract

We have been using a game-enhanced learning approach to teaching programming to first-year undergraduates since 2007–2008. This has been a very positive experience, both in terms of improved student engagement in class and better student performance, as measured through examinations and coursework. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize that experience for those who may be interested in taking a similar approach in their own teaching. The approach is captured in a game-enhanced learning framework (GEL) that has been developed in a form suitable for use in most teaching situations. The rationale for the framework is described, together with an outline of its structure, an explanation of how it can be used, and a summary of the results obtained in experimental case studies. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the lessons learned overall.