Educational Game for C++ Programming Language: SLC++ Approached for Introductory

Abstract

C++ programming language is widely used in the industry and has become a compulsory course to learn in most universities in Malaysia. C++ programming is a powerful language that supports many ways of a program, such as procedural, object-oriented, and functional. However, this language seems difficult to learn, especially for students not in Computer Science background. The students face a problem in understanding the concept and do not enjoy the course. Thus, the students become demotivated. Games are fun activities that can enhance the process of thinking, learning, and problem-solving strategies. With these criteria, educational games are one of the best learning methods to improve the existing learning process. This study purposely develops and evaluates a computer game for C++ programming introductory based on Snake and Ladder board game. This game named SLC++ aimed to attract the students to enjoy their study and understand the concept of a programming language. The development is based on iterative methodology, consisting of planning, design, prototype, playtest, evaluate, and deployment phases. From 120 students, 88.64% strongly perceive SLC++, with 90.83% who are motivated, 90.56% attract with the c++ language, and 87.33% understand the introductory for c++ language after completing the game.