Learning by game creation in introductory programming course: 5-Year-long study

The present study examines and discusses recent developments in teaching and learning programming, based on Game-based learning and Learning by game creation at Technical University of Košice. The innovations are related to learning algorithmic concepts using Karel the Robot game library as well as learning programming fundamentals by creating such library, progressively extended to the Sokoban game. Research activities are seen to satisfy the requirements for becoming familiar with programming basics, abilities to continue with studying modern programming technologies, and better application in practice. The paper closes with a look at the future for more innovations in the context of our game-based teaching methodology.