The Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Mobile Game for Pattern Recognition Learning

Abstract

As information technology has become an important aspect of human society, Computational Thinking (CT) has become increasingly emphasized. Among them, pattern recognition is a critical skill in CT, and it is also a key ability in mathematics and STEM. In this study, a mobile game "Guess My Rule" was developed to foster pattern recognition skills, which combined with algebraic thinking in mathematics, allowing learners to develop pattern prediction skills in a code-solving scenario. This preliminary study investigated the learners' flow state, motivation, and anxiety during the game. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that the participants' flow state and motivation in “Guess My Rule” were significantly higher than the median and anxiety was significantly lower than the median, indicating that the design of the game had a positive effect on learners to engage in pattern recognition.