Abstract: This paper describes a project designed to promote problem solving and critical thinking skills in a general education, computing course at an open access institution. A visual programming tool, GameSalad, was used to enable students to create educational apps for mobile platforms. The students worked on a game development project for the entire semester, incorporating various skills learned throughout the semester. Pre and post quiz analysis showed a significant improvement in students’ ability to design comprehensive solutions to a given problem. Survey results also showed increased student engagement, high interest in computing and a “better” understanding of information technology.

Keywords: Creative problem solving, Critical thinking, General education, Mobile computing

Download this article: JISE - Volume 24 Number 4, Page 299.pdf

Recommended Citation: Dekhane, S., Xu, X., & Tsoi, M. Y. (2013). Mobile App Development to Increase Student Engagement and Problem Solving Skills. Journal of Information Systems Education, 24(4), 299-308.