SpaceCode: helping to learn data structures through a gamified environment

• André P. de Souza UEA http://orcid.org/0009-0003-8927-0436
• Fabrizio Honda UEA https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8174-1002
• Osvaldo Junior UEA
• Marcela Pessoa UEA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3064-5585
• Fernanda Pires UEA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8180-9850

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbgames_estendido.2024.243121

Abstract

High dropout and failure rates are present in computing courses, especially in programming subjects. Gamification in education can be a strategy to minimize this scenario by using game elements to motivate and engage. Therefore, this work presents “SpaceCode”, a gamified environment with an integrated game to assist in learning static Data Structures (lists, queues, and stacks). Through internal validation with specialists and evaluation with computing professors who teach related disciplines, the results indicate that SpaceCode has potential but still needs some game design adjustments.

Keywords: programming, gamification in education, data structures

References

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