Investigation conditions for inclusion of gamification elements in study of the basics of algorithmization and programming to improve the quality of educational results of pupils

Abstract

The problem and the aim of the study. Formation of programming skills, communication with artificial intelligence and other people, the level of thinking development are the basic indicators that determine effectiveness of the didactic system. Within the framework of e-learning, digital technologies, gamification elements, cyber-physical devices, etc. are actively used to support the quality of learning. The authors investigate conditions for effective inclusion of gamification elements in algorithmization and programming activities to increase the level of educational achievements of pupils. Research methods. The analysis and generalization of scientific literature on the problems of gamification of learning and cognition processes, the study of the basics of algorithmization are used. For development of game projects, debugging and testing applications, the ideas of structural programming, the method of step-by-step detailing are used. The programming technology is supported by the principles and techniques of gamification. Empirical methods that were used are observation, analysis of the results of work in the Logo program (user interface, game design, choice of algorithmic constructions, etc.). The study involved 48 pupils who study in grades 5-6 in Kirov school №11. The Pearson’s χ2 (chi-square) criterion was used as a method for statistical processing of the experimental data. Results. The pupils of the experimental group were involved in the purposeful cognitive activity on development of game projects using the Logo programming language (studying fundamental concepts, graphical capabilities, managing a Turtle in the object-oriented environment, research, collaboration, social activity). Statistically significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups in the level of educational achievements χ2emp.2 > χ2crit0.05 (7.885 > 7.815). In conclusion, the conditions under which the gamification of learning the basics of algorithmization and programming is maximally effective for improving the quality of academic achievements of schoolchildren are summarized: correlation of the didactic goal and the result of the game form of work, the choice of the plot for the game project, thinking through the mechanisms of feedback and interactivity, the distribution of roles, etc.