Games-based Learning in Computer Science, Software Engineering and Information Systems Education

Abstract

Computer games have captured the interest of educationalists as they play an important role in the leisure activities of children and adults. A longitudinal study into game playing habits and motivations at university level has shown that UWS students spend an average of 7.6 hours a week playing computer games. Computer games are considered to be highly engaging and incorporate extremely compelling features. There is however a dearth of empirical evidence supporting the approach. In this paper seven relatively mature computer games are described to teach computer science, software engineering and IS concepts. These games were discovered in two literature reviews, one performed in the last half of 2006 and one performed in the first half of 2008. This paper will provide detailed descriptions of the games discovered for the interested reader and will also critique the empirical evidence associated with each game.