Title: Examining the effectiveness of 2D and 3D online environment in enhancing students' learning of software engineering

Authors: Reuben S. Dlamini

Addresses: University of the Witwatersrand, Educational Information Technology, 27 St. Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa

Abstract: This study compares the effectiveness of games developed in 2D and 3D environments to help computer science and engineering students to gain deeper understanding of the software engineering implementation process. We have experimented with a multiplayer game and two single-player games developed in 2D and 3D online environments. The three games provided students with opportunities to virtually experiment and conceptualise the software engineering processes. Furthermore, these games were used to overcome the classroom limitations by replicating the software engineering processes. There was no significant difference in the scores, but students preferred the 3D virtual environment with avatars.

Keywords: software engineering games; learning; 3D virtual environments; computer-aided instruction; CAI; innovation; engineering education; computer science education; avatars; higher education; educational games.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2015.069630

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2015 Vol.17 No.4, pp.425 - 452

Published online: 29 May 2015 *

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