Coding is Fun: Engaging Adult On-Line Learners Using Programming Games

Abstract

Programming and computational thinking have become very important in the context of general learning for the near future, and for that reason, a wide breadth of initiatives to promote their acquisition exist. However, two of the main entry barriers are student engagement, and the fact that solving coding problems requires a more abstract approach, instead of a purely technical one, relying on problemsolving skills. To address these two issues, this paper presents a study on the use of two very popular and highly rated computer games of the "programming" genre (named "Human Resource Machine" and "7 Billion Humans", applied in different distance learning courses aimed at adult students (median age, 31). The results show that both were perceived as very useful during the initial weeks of the semester to complement their knowledge acquisition through practice, as well as having a positive impact in their sense of self-efficacy. Mostly, thanks to their engaging interface, immediate feedback and presenting failure as just a challenge to the player to try again and do better.