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1. Evaluation of Game-Theme Based Instructional Modules for Data Structure Concepts

   Rajeev, Sarika; Sharma, Sharad (March 2020, International journal of computers and their applications)

   Motivation plays a key role in effective learning but motivation needs to be sustained through feedback responses, reflection, and active involvement in order for learning to take place. This work focuses on incorporating active methods of teaching such as game-based learning and simulation-based learning. Game theme-based instructional (GTI) modules produce better results than traditional learning techniques because it increases motivation and engagement of students as they learn interactively. This work is aimed at assessing the motivation and engagement of undergraduate students for GTI modules in introductory data structure courses. This paper discusses the design, implementation, and evaluation of a GTI module to teach the linked list and binary tree data structure. For the design and development of GTI modules, we have incorporated FDF (four-dimensional framework) and constructive approach for learning. The GTI modules were evaluated based on the five components of the Science Motivation Questionnaire II (SMQII). We have also performed an ANOVA test for evaluating the motivation based on familiarity with other virtual reality games and the t-test for evaluating the motivation of students when they use GTI modules as a learning tool. The results of the evaluation of GTI modules shows that instructional modules can efficiently promote learning by encouraging the students’ participation. 

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2. A participatory approach to iteratively adapting game design workshops to empower autistic youth

   https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1179548  

   Gillespie-Lynch, Kristen; Grossman, Eliana; Herrell, Jessye; Riccio, Ariana; Delos_Santos, Jin; Biswas, Sharang; Kofner, Bella; Dwyer, Patrick; Rosenberg, Beth; Hwang-Geddes, Lillian; et al (July 2023, Frontiers in Education)

   Introduction: Autistic people face systemic barriers to fair employment. Informal learning may promote the self-determination transition-age autistic youth need to overcome and/or transform these barriers. This report focuses on the iterative process of developing video game design workshops guided by feedback from autistic students about instructional strategies they found engaging. This study is part of a three-year-long NSF-funded program of research that seeks to empower autistic youth to move toward successful careers by teaching educators how to more effectively guide them. Methods: In the Summer of 2021, educators at an award-winning NYC-based, not-for-profit, education program, Tech Kids Unlimited (TKU) collaborated with researchers, including autistic students, to iteratively develop and assess two online game design workshops for transition-age autistic youth. Participants selected which workshop they were available for (Workshop 1: n = 18; M age = 16.72  years; Workshop 2: n = 16; M age = 16.56  years). Students in Workshop 2  had more varied support needs and were less motivated to learn video game design than students in Workshop 1. Students completed assessments before and after each workshop and rated their interest in specific workshop activities after each activity. Guided by data from Workshop 1, we revised instructional strategies before conducting Workshop 2. Results: We found little evidence for our hypothesis that attentional style would impact educational engagement. However, video game design self-efficacy and self-determination were often positively associated with engagement. Two industry speakers, one of whom was autistic, were among the highest-rated activities. As hypothesized, video game design self-efficacy and self-determination (and unexpectedly) spatial planning improved from pre- to post-test following Workshop 1. Despite our efforts to use what we learned in Workshop 1 to improve in Workshop 2, Workshop 2 did not lead to significant improvements in outcomes. However, students highlighted instructional strategies as a strength of Workshop 2 more often than they had for Workshop 1. Educators highlighted the importance of group “temperature checks,” individualized check-ins, social–emotional support for students and educators, and fostering a positive atmosphere. Discussion: Findings suggest that interactive multimodal activities, stimulating discussions, and opportunities to engage with neurodivergent industry professionals may engage and empower diverse autistic youth. 

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3. Engineering Ethics Through High-Impact Collaborative/Competitive Scenarios (E-ETHICCS): Initial Results and Lessons Learned.

   Streiner, S; Burkey, D; Young, M.; Cimino, R.; Pascal, J.; Dahm, K. (August 2022, ASEE Annual Conference proceedings)

   Ethics education has been recognized as increasingly important to engineering over the past two decades, although disagreement exists concerning how ethics can and should be taught in the classroom. With active learning strategies becoming a preferred method of instruction, a collaboration of authors from four universities (University of Pittsburgh, University of Connecticut, Rowan University and New Jersey Institute of Technology) are investigating how game-based or playful learning with strongly situated components can influence first-year engineering students’ ethical knowledge, awareness, and decision making. This paper offers an overview and results of the progress to date of this three year, NSF Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) grant that aims to (1) characterize the ethical awareness and decision making of first-year engineering students, (2) develop game-based learning interventions focused on ethical decision making, and (3) determine how (and why) game-based approaches affect students’ ethical awareness in engineering and the advantages of such approaches over non game-based approaches. Now in its second year, the authors have conducted a preliminary analysis of first-year students' ethical knowledge and organization via a concept mapping approach and have measured students' ethical reasoning using the Defining Issues Test 2 (DIT2) and Engineering Ethics Reasoning Instrument (EERI). Further, the authors have developed a suite of ethics-driven games that have been implemented across three of the universities, engaging over 400 first-year engineering students. Evaluation data has also been gathered for further game development and to assess initial student engagement and learning. Year 1 has provided insight into where first-year engineering students “are at” in terms of ethical knowledge and reasoning when they come to college, and how game-based instruction can be effective in the development of these students into moral agents who understand the consequences of their decisions. Further results from this investigation will provide the engineering education community with a set of impactful and research-based playful learning pedagogy and assessment that will help students confront social and ethical dilemmas in their professional lives. 

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4. The Impact of Implementation Methods and Low-Cost Learning Modules on Engineering Students Engagement and Learning Outcomes

   https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--57230  

   Sunday, Oluwafemi; Ajeigbe, Oluwafemi; Adesope, Olusola; Van_Wie, Bernard; Dutta, Prashanta (June 2025, ASEE Conferences)

   Not AActive, hands-on learning is essential for engineering education, fostering deep engagement and enhancing knowledge retention. This multi-institutional study investigates how different instructional methods—Hands-On, Virtual, and Lecture-only—combined with four distinct Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules (LCDLMs: Hydraulic Loss, Double Pipe, Shell & Tube, and Venturi Meter) affect student engagement and learning outcomes. Anchored in the ICAP framework (Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive), the study measured cognitive engagement through direct observations, virtual screen recordings, and self-reported surveys. It assessed learning gains using normalized pre- and post-tests among 2,316 undergraduate engineering students from eight universities. Results indicate that virtual instruction yields significantly higher learning gains, while the Shell & Tube module enhances active engagement through tangible, hands-on experiences. In contrast, the Hydraulic Loss module demonstrates the greatest impact on quantitative knowledge growth. These findings underscore the potential of integrating virtual simulations with physical learning tools to optimize instructional design in engineering education. Implications for future research include refining measurement instruments and exploring the long-term effects of hybrid instructional models. 

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5. “The role of achievement goal orientation on metacognitive processes in game-based learning.”

   Cloude, Elizabeth; Taub, Michelle; Lester, James; Azevedo, Roger (January 2019, International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education)

   Abstract. To examine relations between achievement goal orientation—a construct of motivation, metacognition and learning, multiple data channels were collected from 58 students while problem solving in a game-based learning environment. Results suggest students with different goal orientations use metacognitive processes differently but found no differences in learning. Findings have implications for measuring motivation using multiple data channels to design adaptive game-based learning environments. 

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