SplashCode - A Board Game for Learning an Understanding
of Algorithms in Middle School
SplashCode - A Board Game for Learning an Understanding
of Algorithms in Middle School
Author(s): Christiane Gresse von Wangenheim, Giselle Araújo e Silva de Medeiros, Raul Missfeldt Filho, Giani Petri, Fernando Da Cruz Pinheiro, M. Nathalie F. Ferreira, Jean Carlo Rossa HauckSubject(s): School education, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Vilniaus Universiteto Leidykla
Keywords: game-based learning; computational thinking; algorithms and programming; K-12;
Summary/Abstract: Teaching computational thinking in K-12 as a 21th century skill is becoming increasingly important. Computational thinking describes a specific way of reasoning building on concepts and processes derived from algorithms and programming. One way to teach these concepts is games as an effective and efficient alternative. This article presents SplashCode, a low-cost board game to reinforce basic algorithms and programming concepts. The game was developed in a systematic way following an instructional design process, and applied and evaluated in a Brazilian public school with a total of 65 students (grade 5 to 9). First results indicate that the game can have a positive impact on motivation, learning experience, and students' learning, as well as contribute positively to social interaction, relevance, and fun. Results of this study may assist in the selection of games as an instructional strategy and/or in the development of new games for teaching computational thinking.
Journal: Informatics in Education - An International Journal
- Issue Year: 18/2019
- Issue No: 2
- Page Range: 259-280
- Page Count: 22
- Language: English
