The complexity of learning programming is a challenge for many. However, an innovative research initiative is about to change this by using the concepts of gamification and artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate the process of learning and understanding programming. A team of researchers from Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania, together with colleagues from Poland, Portugal and Italy, has developed this modern approach.
The basic principle of the research focuses on gamification, a process that makes learning more dynamic and stimulating through the introduction of game features such as high scores, levels and points. By combining this gamified method with AI progression, learning programs can be tailored to the individual student based on their current level of knowledge and learning goals.
Rytis Maskeliūnas, lead researcher of the study, explains the model by emphasizing that the role of the AI (or teacher) is to continuously monitor and adjust the student’s learning progress. If students are progressing quickly, they can move forward. However, if they are struggling with certain concepts, their learning level or task will remain unchanged until they fully understand the concept. Personalizing the learning process allows learners to optimally develop and expand their skills and knowledge.
The gamification model for programming has already achieved positive results. It has been tested in Lithuania, where teachers have had the opportunity to enhance their IT knowledge through the new model. The overall feedback was positive, with teachers indicating that they would be open to implementing this model in their teaching methods. The researchers see this as a positive signal for the acceptance and effectiveness of their method and therefore plan to integrate it into further educational initiatives. They believe that gamification and AI together have the potential to make programming lessons more accessible and understandable.
