Abstract:

Programming is a core subject that every student studying at any STEM program needs to know. However, some students find it difficult to learn a new programming language due the complexity of the subject, the different keywords they need to learn and the logical thinking they need to provide in order to solve a problem. These circumstances cause students to score low grades in their computer programming subjects which impact on the motivational and academic performance. Therefore, this research applies a gamification-based application to enhance computer programming learning; since gamification has become a great alternative to aid the educational process due to the interesting and innovative aspects it offers to engage and motivate students to learn complex subjects. The gamification-based app was created following a software development methodology. The application was shown and tested by students from which they took a survey to provide insights on the use of a gamification mobile app and how it enhances programming learning. Results suggest that the inclusion of gamification aspects in programming learning successfully improves the students’ engagement and understanding of the subject.

Keywords:

Gamification, programming, learning, mobile application.