Game2Learn: Building CS1 Learning Games for Retention

This paper presents Game2Learn, an innovative project designed to leverage games in retaining students in computer science (CS). In our two-pronged approach, Students in integrative final-year capstone courses and Summer research experiences develop games to teach computer science, which, in turn, will be used to improve introductory computing courses. Our successful model for summer undergraduate research and capstone projects engages Students in solving the computing retention problem, allows them to quickly create games, and instructs students in user- and learner-centered design and research methods. Results show that this method of building games to teach engages students at multiple levels, inspiring newer Students that one day their homework may all be games, and encouraging advanced students to continue on into graduate studies in computing.