Dan Houston, M.S.
Pronouns: he, him
Lecturer
Department of Computer Science
Computer Science
College of Sciences
SDSU
Bio
I am a computer science educator and researcher specializing in game programming and gamified pedagogy, combining industry-aligned, project-based teaching with educational research to improve student engagement and learning in computing.
Education
- M.S., Computer Science, San Diego State University.
Interests
I am interested in innovative teaching practices in computer science, particularly gamification, experiential learning, and industry-aligned project work that improve student engagement and accessibility. Outside the classroom, I enjoy mentoring undergraduate and graduate students on game-based learning projects (e.g., Gamification for Learning) and exploring data-informed, RSI-driven strategies to support effective, collaborative, studio-style learning environments.
Certifications
- CompTIA A+ CE – Active
- Academic Applications of AI (AAAI) Microcredential – Active
Fun Facts
I've been watching one episode of the long-running anime One Piece every day until I catch up. I also place one piece (of LEGO brick) on the LEGO The Going Merry Pirate Ship (75639) each episode I watch until I finish the build.
Awards & Honors
- Houston, D. SDICCCA Fellow, San Diego & Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association (SDICCCA) Fellows Program, San Diego State University Global Campus. (May 15, 2025).
- Houston, D. Career Technical Education (CTE) Ambassador – Arts, Media, and Entertainment Pathway, Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD). (Two-year appointment, Apr 27, 2018).
Research
My research focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of gamified and alternative pedagogical approaches in computer science education. In particular, I study how gamification, ungraded or alternatively graded structures, and project-based learning environments impact student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes in undergraduate computing courses. My work combines educational research with applied curriculum design, drawing from my experience teaching game programming and managing interdisciplinary educational technology projects, including “Gamification for Learning.”
Presentations
- Houston, D. (Presenter), Systematic Review on Gamified and Ungraded Pedagogical Approaches, Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges – Southwestern Conference (CCSC:SW), 2025.
- Houston, D. (Presenter), Implementation of Gamified, Alternatively-Graded Pedagogy in a Data Structures Course, Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges – Southwestern Conference (CCSC:SW), 2025.
Publications
- Houston, D., & Parker, M. (2025). Systematic Review on Gamified and Ungraded Pedagogical Approaches. Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges, 40(9).
- Houston, D., & Parker, M. (2025). Implementation of Gamified, Alternatively-Graded Pedagogy in a Data Structures Course. Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges, 40(9).
Service
- Project Manager, “Gamification in Learning.” (December 2025 – Present).
- Advised: Mary Pourebadi