Gamification Approach in Teaching Web Programming Courses in PHP: Use of KAHOOT Application

Abstract

Learning algorithmics and programming fundamental courses is widely considered to be quite challenging in the field of computer science. Gamification is a good alternative educational practice to promote programming teaching, it allows better engagement of students in their learning. Students acquire a reasonable level of abstraction and logic and develop reflections on various course concepts. They are better introduced to critical programming situations. In the present work, we investigated the impact of introducing simple gamified educational sequences within a dynamic programming PHP course on first year Master students in Educational Technology and Pedagogical Engineering (TEIP). Our use of gamification learning sequences based on the application KAHOOT in this course revealed a better engagement of students. 90% of the students in our experimental group expressed being more motivated and committed for the course and 87.5% of them expressed positive attitudes on using KAHOOT as a teaching tool. The majority (90%) expressed their intention to recommend KAHOOT to other teachers.