Place and Culture in Game Design: Enhancing Students' Computational Thinking, Spatial Visualization, and Problem-Solving Skills

• In Event: 61.029 - Division C Section 1e: Computer Science and Engineering Education in Elementary and Middle School

Abstract

This paper describes the findings of a Year 1 pilot study that used robotics and gaming to teach middle school students’ computational thinking, spatial visualization, and problem-solving skills. Eleven teachers and 130 students attending eight schools in Wyoming (including two reservation schools) participated in the uGame-iCompute project funded by the National Science Foundation. Students created their own games using Scalable Game Design and the AgentSheetsTM tool. Student products were rich in terms of cultural artifacts and identity. However, challenges in terms of program delivery and debugging inhibited some students’ learning and development. This study informs the research community how to use place-based, culturally relevant design features in game design to optimize student learning.

Authors

• Jacqueline Leonard, University of Wyoming

• Joy M. Barnes-Johnson, University of Wyoming

• Donna Hunter, Worland Middle School

• Kristin Kelton, Worland Middle School

• Olalekan O. Idowu, University of Wyoming