Computational thinking and collaborative storytelling in learning Python

Abstract

Creative and computational thinking are different but complementary. Combining them would bring significant benefits for young people. With interdisciplinarity in mind, FunPlay Code aims to bridge STEM disciplines with the humanities, and the Arts by combining collaborative storytelling and programming. Modelled after Scratch, FunPlay Code encourages users to express experiences in Python codes. These computational concepts/perspectives can be shared, commented, liked, modded collaboratively in a story format. A search function to enable filtering of stories further caters to users’ interests. Functions are developed based on Feature Driven Development methodology. We investigate whether FunPlay Code would be perceived to be easy to use, useful and the likelihood of technology acceptance. User acceptance testing is done remotely with five participants due to the country’s covid-19 Movement Control Order (MCO)/lockdown. Findings are relatively positive. The highest mean score is for social interaction/collaborative storytelling, possibly because the story is fun/surprising yet academic.