Applying Ideas From Intelligent Tutoring Systems for Teaching Programming in Game Based Learning

Students in introductory programming courses often have problems understanding cognitively complex concepts. In our research work we are trying to find innovative methods for teaching programming to support deeper learning and to foster better learning outcomes. Game based learning is recognized as motivating for students; facilitates active learning and presentation of learning in a context that is fun and engaging. There has been a lot of work done in the field of intelligent tutoring systems, proving that learning with software that can adapt to students' specific needs and performance have a positive effect on learning outcomes. Games that are developed for education often follow computer assisted instruction concept, which is rigid, predefined and doesn't have the ability to adapt to each student. The goal of this paper is to introduce some ideas from intelligent tutoring systems and to suggest how to use them in educational game for teaching introductory programming. Paper begins with the explanation why programming domain is so hard to teach/learn and follows by arguing why intelligent tutoring systems are so successful compared to other teaching methods. We explain differences between CAI and ITS and describe typical components of ITS. Paper concludes with the propositions for our educational game for teaching programming, based on design principles of ITS.