Games for learning programming: how do single and multiplayer modes affect student motivation?

• Rodrigo Leite PUC-Rio
• Edward Haeusler PUC-Rio
• Jefferson Santos PUC-Rio

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/educomp_estendido.2022.19413

Abstract

In this research, we will investigate, in a qualitative and exploratory way, the ways in which an educational programming game motivates students when played in single and multiplayer modes. We will do this through a Case Study, using the Design Science Research paradigm, where we will expose two groups of students from an introductory programming course (higher level) to an unprecedented implementation of an educational digital programming game. Each group will have access to one of the modes (single or multiplayer). After this interaction, we will conduct semi-structured interviews with the students and, on these, a discourse analysis. We hope that, when compared with similar studies in other contexts, our results will bring new understandings on the subject.

Keywords: Educational games, Computing education, Single player game, multiplayer game

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