Share Paper: Code Factory – A game environment to start programming

  1. Anabela Gomes, ISEC – Engineering Institute of Coimbra – Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Portugal
  2. Pedro Belchior, ISEC – Engineering Institute of Coimbra – Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Portugal
  3. Nuno Martins, ISEC – Engineering Institute of Coimbra – Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Portugal
  4. César Páris, ISEC – Engineering Institute of Coimbra – Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Portugal
  5. Álvaro Santos, ISEC – Engineering Institute of Coimbra – Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Portugal
Thursday, June 26 2:00-2:30 PM B3111

Abstract: There is a high worldwide failure rate in the first programming subjects. There are various causes such as the abstraction capabilities, the problem solving skills or the math’s background required for learning programming that can contribute to this phenomenon. Another aspect is that, when first being introduced to programming subjects, many students feel that their learning experience is hindered by a lack of motivation. We find that this may stem from the static nature of the teaching methods used in introductory programming courses. The lack of simple tools, where novice students can apply their newly acquired knowledge, without being distracted ...