Alf Inge Wang

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Alf Inge Wang is a leading researcher at the intersection of software engineering and game-based learning, whose work has fundamentally shaped how computer science education is delivered. His primary research areas include software architecture education, game development pedagogy, and pervasive gaming. Wang’s most impactful contributions come from his pioneering use of game projects as a pedagogical tool, demonstrating that building games can effectively teach complex software architecture concepts. His landmark 2011 study, "Extensive Evaluation of Using a Game Project in a Software Architecture Course" (34 citations), provided rigorous evidence that game development projects significantly improve student engagement and learning outcomes in technical courses. This work was complemented by his case study on using Microsoft's XNA Game Studio for architecture education (18 citations), which offered practical frameworks for educators. More recently, Wang has innovated in pervasive gaming, as shown in his 2022 study on turning family homes into interactive playgrounds during the COVID-19 pandemic (1 citation), exploring how movement-based games can combat social isolation. His research bridges technical rigor with creative engagement, making him a key figure in modern computing education.