Transforming Engineering Education with Competitive Programming, Gamified Learning, and AI-Driven Innovation Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • Students currently enrolled in higher education programs in this technological era need a learning framework that boosts their motivation and promotes creative thinking, allowing them to develop disciplinary and interdisciplinary competencies throughout their courses. For Computer Science students, cultivating problem-solving competency is essential through enhancing mathematical and algorithmic thinking rather than merely learning a programming language. The most effective way to acquire this competency is through practice. Computer Science students should be motivated by a learning strategy that enhances their potential and encourages active engagement in the learning process through appropriate activities. Gamification involves integrating game design elements and principles into non-game environments to boost user engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. By incorporating game-like features into students' activities, gamification seeks to transform tasks into enjoyable and rewarding experiences. Active learning is an instructional approach that actively involves students in their educational journey. Instead of passively absorbing information, students are encouraged to engage directly with the material. This method fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, empowering learners to take charge of their education. Generative AI functions as an intelligent tutor, enhancing courses by enabling students to consult and support one another in their learning journey. This collaborative approach fosters a more interactive and enriching educational experience. Competitive programming empowers students to tackle problem-solving challenges using advanced programming algorithms, all within a motivating environment. During competitions, participants encounter real-world problems that enable them to apply their learning in a practical setting. This experience reinforces their existing knowledge and encourages them to explore deeper solutions as they strive to solve problems as effectively as possible. The integration of these approaches offers students a dynamic, well-rounded learning experience. It equips them with essential tools to thrive in academic and professional environments, ensuring long-term success. This study aims to evaluate the learning outcomes of integrating active learning, gamification, generative AI, and competitive programming as a cohesive approach to developing computer science students' skills.

publication date

  • January 1, 2025