Effect of GameMaker on Student Attitudes and Perceptions of Instructors

Computational thinking including the ability to think critically and solve problems provides benefits for every career path. A positive attitude toward computer science can increase the possibility of students selecting courses that increase computational thinking or pursuing computer science (CS) as a major. This research examined the effect of using GameMaker on the attitudes of students toward computer science (CS) and CS instructors in an introductory CS course. The research consisted of an initial study and a two year longitudinal study. The data was collected using student surveys, qualitative student perceptions, and anonymous teaching evaluations. We hypothesized that students who used GameMaker in their class would show improved attitudes toward CS and would evaluate the instructor more favorably. Our research provides evidence that the incorporation of GameMaker into computer science courses may improve students' short-term attitudes toward computer science and both long-term and short-term perceptions of the class instructor.