A Framework for Creating Virtual Escape Rooms to Teach Computational Thinking

Computational Thinking is considered one of the essential skills for success in the future workplace. However, integrating computational thinking into the curriculum remains an educational challenge. Escape room games could potentially aid in the development of computational thinking skills because they immerse learners in a gamified, problem-solving scenario. This paper describes the development of a framework, using Design Based Research, to guide the implementation of a virtual escape room to teach computational thinking in higher education. The components include understanding the participants and computational thinking learning objectives, choosing the digital platform, deciding on a theme and puzzles and finally evaluating the escape room. The framework was implemented and evaluated in a first-year Information Systems programming setting. Although the findings do not show a significant increase in understanding of computational thinking, participants indicated that the experience with the escape room increased their motivation to learn more about computational thinking. It is therefore suggested that virtual escape rooms be used in addition to other learning interventions for the ultimate computational thinking learning experience.