Reinforcing array and loop concepts through a game-like module

There have been several successful cases of using games to improve student learning of computer programming. This paper presents a game-like module titled “Garden Gnomes From Planet 9” that is designed to help students visualize the process of iterating through an array using for loops, which is one of the most challenging concepts for students in computer programming classes. This module has been used and evaluated in the CSC1311 Computer Programming II class in spring 2012 at Winston-Salem State University. The pre-test, post-test and survey were developed and used in the evaluation process. The promising results and positive feedbacks from students indicate that the game-like module has significant impact on enhancing students learning in array and loop concepts in programming.