Computational Thinking through Design Patterns in Video Games

International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games (FDG), pp. 1–4

Abstract

Prior research has explored potential applications of video games in programming education to elicit computational thinking skills. However, existing approaches are often either too general, not taking into account the diversity of genres and mechanisms between video games, or too narrow, selecting tools that were specifically designed for educational purposes. In this paper we propose a more fundamental approach, defining beneficial connections between individual design patterns present in video games and computational thinking skills. We argue that video games have the capacity to elicit these skills and even to potentially train them. This could be an effective method to solidify a conceptual base which would make programming education more effective.

Authors 3

1. Giulio Barbero Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University, Netherlands

2. Marcello A. Gómez-Maureira Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University, Netherlands

3. Felienne Hermans Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University, Netherlands