PLMan: A Game-Based Learning Activity for Teaching Logic Thinking and Programming

Abstract

This paper presents PLMan, a game-based learning activity designed to face problems observed in practical lessons about Computational Logics. The main of these problems was unmotivated students, who were showing lack of interest in learning activities. Other problems were a high percentage of students abandoning or committing plagiarism, and teachers' overload, that was leaving no time for re-designing lessons, activities and workflow. This paper describes analyses and design steps undertaken from the problematic situation to the implementation of PLMan. Experimental data confirms that this intervention reverted the problematic situation, improved learning results, raised student motivation and involvement, and left time for teachers to maintain and improve the system. Results clearly show that students have moved from literally hating activities to enjoying them and being enthusiast on participating beyond lessons.