e-Training DS: An Authoring Tool for Integrating Portable Computer Science Games in e-Learning

This paper presents e-Training DS, an instructor-oriented toolkit for the integration of portable game consoles in modern e-learning environments (e.g. MoodleTM). The tool is based on a general model in which the instructor maintains a library of mini-games that are easily produced by customizing generic game patterns (e.g. a simple jigsaw puzzle). The authors can then compile a working set of mini-games and distribute it to the students so that they can play using their own portable game devices. Moreover, the game packs produced with e-Training DS can track the students’ activity and send the results to the back-end e-learning environment. In this manner instructors can evaluate the students’ performance using the facilities provided by the elearning system. While e-Training DS is focused on the Computer Science field and the Nintendo DSTM game console, the approach proposed can be repurposed for other knowledge areas and devices.