A cross-platform game for learning computational thinking with the support of collaborative learning

Computational thinking (CT) has gained increasing attention from education researchers, practitioners, and parents in the past decade, as CT is a fundamental skill for everyone to solve problems effectively and efficiently with solutions that are reusable in different contexts. This paper presents a cross-platform game for learning CT anywhere and anytime using a computer or smartphone with or without internet connection. The game provides an easy-to-use visual programming environment for learners to instruct virtual 3D robot(s) to complete specific tasks. Our game levels are designed to cover these CT core elements: reformulation, recursion, decomposition, abstraction, and systematic testing. The game also supports collaborative learning for multiple learners, where learners find suitable solutions together. This helps to develop their communication and leadership skills. Two surveys were performed to confirm the successful integration of the five CT core elements in its game design, and its attractiveness and usefulness as a CT learning tool.