Teaching Design Patterns Through Computer Game Development

Abstract

We present an approach for teaching design patterns that emphasizes object-orientation and patterns integration. The context of computer game development is used to engage and motivate students, and it is additionally rich with design patterns. A case study is presented based on EEClone , an arcade-style computer game implemented in Java. Our students analyzed various design patterns within EEClone, and from this experience, learned how to apply design patterns in their own game software. The six principal patterns of EEClone are described in detail, followed by a description of our teaching methodology, assessment techniques, and results.

A Pattern Language for Teaching Design Patterns

“…Buschmann et al state that "the very fact that there are many misconceptions, misinterpretations, and mistakes, however, suggests that something is often amiss in the popular perception and definitions of the pattern concept" and that "such misunderstandings inevitably lead to inappropriate application and realization of the patterns themselves" [10]. We believe that one part of this problem lies in the inappropriate teaching of the patterns, which is supported by the experience of other authors [3,12,16,17,18,20]. To help in solving this problem we describe in this work a pattern language for teaching design patterns.…”

“…Gestwicki and Sun state that "a discussion of the domain-specific problem leads to the justification of the design pattern" [16]. Different Active Learning patterns can be used to realize this [7].…”

“…Gestwicki and Sun also emphasize in [16] that the first and most important part of applying a pattern is the good understanding of the context and the problem. The focus should therefore be put on these parts while learning design patterns as well as for the application of design patterns to solve real problems.…”

“…However, applying Perfect Match also includes a discussion of traditional, naïve, and nonpatterns-based approaches for solving the problem at hand [15]. This ensures that if a pattern does not offer the best solution or comes for the price of a much higher complexity in the resulting context, then it is better to Keep It Simple and use one of the traditional or naïve approaches.…”

“…Some of the patterns are based on [19]. Others come from published case studies and experience reports about teaching design patterns [3,12,16,17,18,20].…”