Communications of the ACM
Computer Scientists Launch Kickstarter For Video Game That Teaches Kids How to Code
CodeSpells has been in use in dozens of schools throughout the world to teach players how to code.
Credit: CodeSpells
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) are developing a new and improved version of CodeSpells, a first-person player game that teaches users how to program. "It is the goal of CodeSpells to provide a rich experience of computer science education to students who may not have access to an educator," says UCSD Ph.D. student Sarah Esper. The researchers hope the new version will be more attractive and more fun to play.
CodeSpells users can modify the world around them using Blocky, a visual programming language created by Google, or JavaScript. The researchers want players to develop their own spells and quests, transforming the game into a vibrant online community. Players have the tools to create a wide range of modes, including multi-player magic-based sports for playing with other users.
The researchers have set up a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the development of the game, including enhancing its multiplayer functions. "We want the game to be educational, but our biggest goal is to make sure it's fun," says UCSD Ph.D. student Stephen Foster.
From UC San Diego
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