Development of a Puzzle Game to Learn Coding for Elementary Students

Existing computer games used to teach coding to students have certain shortcomings such as the use of icons that do not convert to actual text-based coding commands, and the fact that teachers cannot follow students’ progress in real time. In this study, we have improved upon existing coding games by developing a puzzle game based on coding and a web-based management system to observe the user’s learning status in real time and maximize the understanding of how elementary students learn to code. We analyzed the syntax of various coding languages for the school curriculum and provided a menu to convert icons into textual coding language. In addition, the game’s management system includes multiple types of tutoring, real-time analysis of user play data, and feedback. Following its application in regular elementary school software classes, we conducted a Likert scale survey. Students reported positive effects on understanding and showed an interest in coding. It is expected that this will contribute to quality improvement in software education by providing content with proven educational value by breaking away from simple learning-oriented coding games.