Game Based Learning for Debugging Skills

CEMCA has supported the development and implementation of a multi-level digital game to enable novice programmers from diverse backgrounds to build skills in debugging, a fundamental and industry-relevant concept in computing curriculum.

In this treasure-hunt based game developed at the Research in Intelligent Software & Human Analytics (RISHA) Lab at IIT Tirupati, the steps involved in the process of debugging are scaffolded by the steps involved in finding clues and in finally arranging all the clues found. As the player progresses through multiple levels of the game, the learning outcomes are achieved. The game can be customised at different levels of difficulty to address diversities in learner prior knowledge and background. This allows learners to play the game and learn debugging skills in a step-by-step manner through multiple levels based on their background and learning goals. 

The game was implemented through experiential and interactive sessions conducted with 108 undergraduate computer science students in Andhra Pradesh in October-December 2021. The feedback from the initial implementation demonstrates that the potential of digital games can be leveraged to engage students from diverse backgrounds in learning critical computing skills, thereby promoting quality technology-enabled learning opportunities.