Reimagining how students learn computer science<\/p>\n
R.S. Mansur also presented a poster at the symposium titled \u201cCode, Test, Battle: Gamifying CS2 Through Adversarial Programming Tournaments.\u201d The project introduces a game-based learning system designed for second-semester programming courses, where students often encounter more abstract and challenging concepts.<\/p>\n
The system, called \u201cDungeon Master,\u201d allows student teams to build and customize hero characters throughout the semester. As they learn new programming concepts, those concepts translate into abilities for their heroes. Inheritance, recursion and algorithm design become tools that directly power how their characters compete in automated classroom tournaments.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs programming concepts become more abstract, students can disengage,\u201d R.S. Mansur said. \u201cI wanted to design an experience where those ideas feel real, relevant and motivating.\u201d<\/p>\n
At the end of the semester, student-created heroes compete in live tournaments in the classroom, turning complex code into a visible and shared learning experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is not about entertainment for its own sake,\u201d R.S. Mansur said. \u201cThe system is grounded in behavioral science and integrates industry-standard practices like version control, writing tests before code and collaborative development. Students are practicing the exact skills they will need in their careers.\u201d<\/p>\n
R.S. Mansur\u2019s research sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence in education, human interaction with learning technologies and the science of how students learn to program. He is exploring questions about how AI tools can be used responsibly in the classroom, how automated feedback can accelerate learning and how engagement strategies can improve retention in computer science programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany students leave computer science early,\u201d R.S. Mansur said. \u201cIf we can design courses that increase motivation, provide faster feedback and reward genuine skill-building, we can help more students succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Research as part of the campus culture<\/p>\n
Beyond presenting his poster, R.S. Mansur served in multiple leadership roles at the conference, including ACM Student Research Competition judge, senior program coordinator, session chair for a panel on teaching AI concepts to K-12 students, paper reviewer and mentor in the conference\u2019s Buddy Program.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing involved at that level meant I was not just attending,\u201d R.S. Mansur said. \u201cI was contributing to the field, representing this campus and helping move the discipline forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both faculty members emphasized that opportunities like SIGCSE reflect the unique environment at Penn State Lehigh Valley, where close faculty-student collaboration makes undergraduate research both accessible and impactful.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt a smaller campus, we know our students well,\u201d R.S. Mansur said. \u201cI can see in real time what challenges they face and design research questions that come directly from my classroom. That closeness makes both my teaching and my research stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n