The use of games as a motivational factor in computer science courses

• Luciano A. Digiampietri USP
• Diogo D. Kropiwiec UNICAMP
• Renato A. C. Silva USP

Abstract

One of the biggest challenges for any educator is how to motive her/his students. In order to face this challenge, this paper presents a set of system based on the use and development of computer games as a motivational factor for computer science students. These systems are being used in Information Systems undergraduate courses at University of Sao Paulo (USP). The main developed tools are presented here, highlighting how they are being used inside and outside the classroom in order to illustrate theoretical concepts, improving the understanding of some concepts and changing the dynamic of computer science teaching.

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