Tile-Based Games for Object-Oriented Programming Learning: A Modular Base Code Approach

João-Paulo Barros, João-Paulo Barros

2025

Abstract

Object-oriented programming (OOP) courses pose significant challenges for students mastering numerous interrelated concepts. Creating engaging assessment tasks aligned with course objectives is also crucial for instructors. This paper addresses students’ challenges in learning object-oriented programming (OOP) and instructors designing effective assessments. A new approach to OOP assessments using scaffolded, tile-based game projects is presented. It uses a modular base code that students use and expands upon in increasingly complex games. This structure allows for applying and assessing core OOP concepts throughout the project. A specific implementation of this approach, using a particular tile-based game, is detailed. Student perceptions were positive regarding the tile-based game projects, suggesting that this approach is engaging and effective for learning OOP. The provided base code serves as a practical example for instructors. The work offers instructors a concrete and adaptable method for assessing OOP competencies in a way that promotes deep learning and is less susceptible to issues with AI assistance in student work. Scaffolded game projects, built upon a common base code, can improve student engagement and facilitate a more rigorous and confident evaluation of their OOP skills.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Barros J. (2025). Tile-Based Games for Object-Oriented Programming Learning: A Modular Base Code Approach. In Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU; ISBN 978-989-758-746-7, SciTePress, pages 792-799. DOI: 10.5220/0013346100003932

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu25,
author={João-Paulo Barros},
title={Tile-Based Games for Object-Oriented Programming Learning: A Modular Base Code Approach},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU},
year={2025},
pages={792-799},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013346100003932},
isbn={978-989-758-746-7},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 2: CSEDU
TI - Tile-Based Games for Object-Oriented Programming Learning: A Modular Base Code Approach
SN - 978-989-758-746-7
AU - Barros J.
PY - 2025
SP - 792
EP - 799
DO - 10.5220/0013346100003932
PB - SciTePress