Code Factory – A game environment to start programming

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 by overly complex user interfaces and technical feedback is another problem. The environment presented in this document aims to provide students with an interactive game that helps them consolidate core-programming skills. By letting students observe and explore a game environment while being guided through a predefined set of puzzle-like exercises, we hope to create an appealing and motivating experience to start learning programming.