Informatics in Education

Research trends on computational thinking (CT) and its learning strategies are showing an increase. The strategies are varying, for example is using games to provide enjoyment, engagement, and experience. To improve the high level of immersion and presence of game objects, learning strategies through games can be improved by virtual reality (VR) technology and its application. However, a systematic review that specifically discusses game based in VR (GBiVR) settings is lacking. This paper reports previous studies systematically about the strategies used to learn CT through games and VR applications. 15 papers were selected through Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. As the result, this study proposes a conceptual framework for designing a strategy to learn CT through GBiVR settings. The framework consists of critical aspects of variables that can be considered in the learning environment like game elements, VR features, and CT skills. All the aspects are discussed below.

This research discusses the use of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality technology applications in the learning process of relevant content to the Computer Science area. This systematic review aims to identify applications that use technologies to represent virtual environments and support the teaching and learning of Computer Science subjects. A protocol was elaborated and executed, resulting in the final selection of 14 papers from four databases, published from 2010 to 2018. The examined papers presented information that categorized technology applications in terms of tools used. Contents addressed to the identification of applied instructional strategies and techniques, and the recognition of effects on the learning process. As a result, we found virtual environments that show potential to teaching basic content in courses related to Computer Science. In addition, the application of virtual environments in this educational scenario has provided positive effects on the learning process, such as increased interactivity, easier content absorption, increased motivation and interest in the subjects, providing greater understanding and improving efficiency in content transmission.

In this paper we present our experiences of teaching an annually organized virtual reality (VR) capstone course. We review three iterations of the course, during which a total of 45 students completed the course and 16 VR applications were implemented. Our comparative analysis describes the students' evaluation of the course, the applications created by them, and their development experiences. The results suggest that our gradual improvements on the course and the utilized software paid off, as the latest of the compared course iterations produced the best feedback and the highest quality VR applications. Our learning assessment analysis reveals that our course is effective in teaching VR application development and having students meet their personal learning goals. We also bring forward our RUIS toolkit that was used in the course with success, and present evidence on how better software toolkits can affect the development experience and allow students to create more impressive applications. Finally we share the lessons learned during five years of teaching the course, introducing several practical considerations for VR course organizers regarding pedagogics, software, and hardware.

The article presents the results of an experiment in which Excel applications that depict rotatable and sizable orthographic projection of simple 3D figures with face overlapping were developed with thirty gymnasium (high school) students of age 17-19 as an introduction to 3D computer graphics. A questionnaire survey was conducted to find out whether the students acquired the principles of the projection, found the lessons interesting and contributing to their technological knowledge, and found the topic motivating enough to continue with more complicated models. The results are discussed.