Utilizando a estratégia de gamificação como reforço na aprendizagem de algoritmos

Abstract

This work presents the development of a gamified application to assist students in Information Technology (IT) courses facing challenges in learning algorithms. The project was built using the Flutter framework, enabling adaptation for various platforms, including Android, iOS, and the Web, aiming to reach a wide range of students. With the mobile version, the opportunity to practice algorithms is brought closer to students. The application's development arose from difficulties observed and reported by classmates in learning the Algorithms discipline. A literature review revealed that these difficulties are not limited to a specific class or institution. Various studies highlight a concerning scenario of dropout rates and decreased enrollment in IT courses, suggesting a potential future shortage of professionals in the field. Moreover, there is a direct association between this decline and subjects covering algorithms. To address this issue, the application incorporates game elements, organizing content into modules, levels, and sessions. Students accumulate experience points (XP) and compete in rankings, encouraging continuous engagement and healthy competition. Special achievements recognize players' performance. The gamified application emphasizes regular and repeated practice of algorithm concepts, promoting learning through repetition and allowing students to progressively reinforce their skills. By encouraging frequent revisitation of critical concepts and continuous practice across game modules and levels, the goal is to consolidate students' knowledge. The tool seeks to overcome identified challenges in algorithm learning, offering not only a gamified approach but also focusing on learning consolidation through recurrent practice.