Design and Evaluation of a Project-Based Workshop for Introductory AI Education
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Computer Science and Info Sys
Date of Award
Summer 8-18-2025
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology that has become an integral part of the everyday lives of people. As AI continues to play a vital role in the computer science (CS) industry and becomes increasingly accessible to everyday users, there is a growing need for approachable and engaging methods to introduce AI to undergraduatestudents. This thesis presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a game-based AI workshop, structured as a hands-on, project-driven learning experience in which students with little to no prior AI experience engage with AI concepts through interactive development in Python. The primary computational contribution of this thesis is the development of structured, game-based projects that demonstrate how AI techniques can be effectively integrated into interactive applications. To assess student motivation and engagement, this thesis uses the MUSIC Model of Academic Motivation Inventory (MUSIC Inventory), a validated instrument that is used to measure students’ motivation and engagement in learning environments. As such, the MUSIC Model serves not only as a design framework but also as a valuable evaluation tool for studying student engagement in CS education.
Advisor
Omar El Ariss
Subject Categories
Computer Sciences | Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Recommended Citation
Doty, Andi, "Design and Evaluation of a Project-Based Workshop for Introductory AI Education" (2025). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1304.
https://lair.etamu.edu/etd/1304
