Abstract:

Recent initiatives promoting code literacy have often focused on engaging children, of various ages, with several kinds of games or game-like tools based on programming concepts. Many of these coding games have adopted grid movement mechanics that can be traced back to the Logo programming language and its memorable turtle. The same grid movement paradigm has successfully been applied to many modern code literacy instruments, as seen in popular online programming initiatives or so-called “unplugged” games that do not require the use of electronic devices or Internet access.

In this paper we present a mixed-reality grid-based coding challenge, which combines an easily replicable physical chessboard and an online component in the form of a Telegram bot. The bot challenges players with coding exercises in the form of dynamically generated grid movement instructions. By scanning codes that identify single cells of the physical chessboard, the bot is able to determine the player’s movements and to verify the correct execution of the proposed exercises.

We discuss the implementation, previous deployments of the game, past experiences and user feedback, permanent installations planned in the next future, and we propose CodyMaze as an easily-deployable and reusable form of the “one hour of code” exercise.

Keywords:

Coding, code literacy, online games, chatbot, hour of code.