SQL scrolls - A reusable and extensible DGBL experiment

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Author (Corporation)
Publication date
2022
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Type
04B - Conference paper
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Parent work
Proceedings CSERC'21
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DOI of the original publication
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Series
Series number
Volume
Issue / Number
Pages / Duration
39-48
Patent number
Publisher / Publishing institution
ACM
Place of publication / Event location
New York
Edition
2
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Programming language
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Practice partner / Client
Abstract
The teaching of databases and SQL is an active research area. We contribute by presenting a reusable and extensible SQL teaching experiment which uses a game and fits the paradigm of digital game based learning (DGBL). Although DGBL is hampered partly by the difficulty of obtaining statistically significant empirical results, the research shows that it may be an effective learning method and that it is in demand. We investigate the acceptance and effectiveness of an SQL learning game and focus on two areas: student reaction to games as a vehicle for teaching, and educational effectiveness. We designed a game prototype and administered a pre-test, post-test and an acceptance survey, with seven part-time and sixteen full-time students. A statistical analysis of effect sizes revealed a moderate intervention effect for the game group (d= -0.562) and a small one for the traditional group (d= -0.234). The acceptance survey means were between 4.43 and 4.70 out of 5, which shows that the game is highly acceptable. Our experiment demonstrated positive student attitudes towards DGBL in SQL teaching and showed the game to be as effective as exercises done using a workbench. We further observed interesting differences in teaching using a game and a "natural" workbench environment and had excellent course feedback. We have released the game as open source in the hope that other researchers will replicate or contradict our findings or simply use it in teaching. We close with an outline of ongoing research.
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Subject (DDC)
Project
Event
10th Computer Science Education Research Conference (CSERC'21)
Exhibition start date
Exhibition end date
Conference start date
22.11.2021
Conference end date
23.11.2021
Date of the last check
ISBN
978-1-4503-8576-3
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Language
German
Created during FHNW affiliation
Yes
Strategic action fields FHNW
Publication status
Published
Review
Peer review of the complete publication
Open access category
Closed
License
Citation
Pustulka, E., Krause, K., de Espona, L., & Kennel, A. (2022). SQL scrolls - A reusable and extensible DGBL experiment. In D. Stikkolorum & E. Rahimi (eds.), Proceedings CSERC′21 (2 ed., pp. 39–48). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3507923.3507932