Impact of Active Learning on Object-Oriented Programming Instruction : Transforming from 3D to Text-based coding

Abstract

It is critical to balance fundamental programming concepts and coding skills to develop a skilled IT workforce who can solve complicated real-life problems using technology. Students in an intermediate programming course faced challenges because programming is more than knowing programming language syntax; understand the process and steps to get desired outcomes from inputs and create a code with appropriate data structures. Students who struggled with programming often lose their interest and may drop out of school or change majors.We research teaching methods using a game engine platform with multiple active learning methods. We used learning by collaboration, flipped class, creating a video game, and combining those teaching methods to enhance student programming concepts and skills and lower the programming course’s failure rate. We also traced the long-term effects on students’ learning.