Gamification mechanisms have been increasingly integrated into educational environments to enhance learner's engagement and improve the effectiveness of online courses. However, the precise effects of gamification on learner's engagement, including the factors that influence this behavior, remain under-explored. This study addresses this gap by…

This study aimed to examine the impact of the flipped classroom model applied in the information technologies courses on pre-service teachers' candidates' academic achievements, self-regulated learning skills, and classroom engagement. The research was conducted with a total of 96 pre-service teachers teacher candidates, 48 in the experimental…

In this manuscript, we describe a coding club we created and implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. We were purposeful in creating the club to: (a) focus on design and problem solving as the basis for learning computer coding and (b) include elements to improve the engagement of girls. We ran multiple iterations of a Girls Design with Code Club…

An engaging first programming class (CS1) often inspires students' passion for computer science (CS). However, the evidence in the literature suggests that the average CS1 classes are anything but engaging for many students. The performance of CS compared to other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses in international…

Modern software companies prioritize high-quality products for competitiveness, and Software Process Improvement (SPI) models help achieve this. In Brazil, the Brazilian Software Process Improvement Model ("MPS-SW" model) is widely used, but its complexity and extensive documentation make it challenging to teach in undergraduate courses.…

Background: Being easy to learn and fun, block-based programming tools are widely used to teach students introductory programming. Scratch and LEGO robots are two popular block-based programming tools. However, the objects they manipulate are completely different. Scratch manipulates graphical virtual sprites, whereas LEGO robots manipulate…

A global concern in recent years has been the formal incorporation of computing and digital technology subjects into high school curricula. Despite many initiatives to make these subjects accessible to students, significant barriers to uptake remain in many countries. In this study we convened a panel of 32 academic, research, and other experts…

Aim/Purpose: Despite playing a critical role in shaping the future, 70% of undergraduate engineers report low levels of motivation. Student disengagement and a lack of ownership of their learning are significant challenges in higher education, specifically engineering students in the computer science department. This study investigates the various…

Recent advancements in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) have drawn significant attention from educators and researchers. However, its effects on learners' programming performance, self-efficacy and learning processes remain inconclusive, while the mechanisms underlying its efficiency-enhancing potential are underexplored. This study…

Gamification has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in computer science education. This study uses Wenger's Value Creation Framework to evaluate and design the gamification elements in the "Answers" platform, a Professional Learning Network (PLN) developed at TU Delft. Using a…

How to improve student engagement and educational learning outcomes in the classroom have always been high on a teacher's priority list. Unfortunately, it seems these challenges have become more pronounced in teaching Generation Z. To address these challenges educators are exploring new teaching methodologies such as flipped learning. The authors…

Computer Programming Learners usually fail to get approved in introductory courses because solving problems using computers is a complex task. The most important reason for that failure is concerned with motivation; motivation strongly impacts on the learning process. In this paper we discuss how techniques like program animation, and automatic…

This study seeks to deepen the understanding of the direct and indirect effects of human-computer dialogic interaction programming activities, facilitated by ChatGPT, on student engagement. Data were collected from 109 Chinese high school students who engaged in programming tasks using either ChatGPT-driven dialogic interaction or traditional pair…

Teaching Computer Science concepts, such as graph theory, is often challenging. This study proposes an approach for teaching graph theory using an unplugged game ("GraphGame") developed through a participatory design process that includes usage observation, clarifying meaning, prototyping, and implementation. This process was carried out…

The game-based learning approach to developing students' computational thinking (CT) current has received attention from researchers. However, the compatibility between games and instruction is often insufficient to accommodate the entertaining and educational nature of the curriculum entirely, and the benefits of game-based learning could be…