Design strategies for the pedagogical use of crossword puzzle generation software, in individual and collaborative design modes

Crossword puzzles represent a powerful pedagogical tool for both the assessment and application of knowledge attained by students in a particular discipline, such as Information Systems. Crossword puzzles may be designed for either individual or collaborative use. Participating students will find it a meaningful educational experience to answer the crossword puzzles created by other students. We shall review some of the available freeware tools for the creation of crossword puzzles, discuss some of the critical thinking skills enabled by integrating crossword puzzles into a course, and provide (based upon the experience of the authors) design strategies for the effective use of crossword puzzles (both in individual and collaborative modes) in the pedagogical environment.