Teaching computer science through game design

Playing computer games is a popular recreational activity for young people. Not surprisingly, many of these enthusiasts dream that one day they will develop computer games themselves. Developing computer games involves many aspects of computing, including computer graphics, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, security, distributed programming, simulation, and software engineering. Users who can't code a single line can use game maker to build games and learn object-oriented design.

Logo and Lego

Logo (www.logosurvey.co.uk) and its many variants provide the classic example of a programming language aimed at creating interest among youngsters. Primarily seen as a language to make drawings, with Logo, the user steers a virtual turtle to draw shapes onscreen. Even the basic program can make fancy drawings this way, while modern versions extend Logo's possibilities considerably. For today's users, spoiled by console and computer games, Logo is no longer flashy enough, however.