Using the gaming chatbot to develop algorithmic and logical thinking skills

The use of special computer games in classes increases student engagement and maintains their interest in learning, including learning computer science. Due to the logical and rational nature of solving programming problems, logic games and puzzle games that develop cognitive abilities, logical and algorithmic thinking are well suited for teaching computer science. Considering the popularity of Wordle puzzle game and the fact that word games are very effective for developing cognitive abilities, a gaming chatbot with puzzle tasks organized according to Wordle principles was developed for learning computer science and programming. The aim of the article is to investigate the effect of the developed gaming chatbot on students’ algorithmic and logical thinking. The study involved 3rd year undergraduate students of the educational program “Information Systems and Technologies”, Faculty of Information Technologies, Moscow Polytechnic University. The students used the gaming chatbot outside of class for 10 days and completed surveys before and after use. The analysis of the students’ surveys showed the impact of this gaming chatbot on the activation of memory, attention and to a greater extent logical thinking of the students, as well as on assessing students’ perception of the complexity of programming, their own knowledge of programming languages and logical thinking skills. The results of the study expand current ideas regarding the use of gaming chatbots and Wordle-type puzzle tasks in teaching computer science and programming. The presented gaming chatbot will help to increase students’ interest in classes, students’ involvement in the learning process, and ensure the development of their cognitive abilities. The conclusions of the article may be of practical interest to informatics and programming teachers. They contribute to the development of the direction of building gaming chatbots, as well as the use of word puzzles for teaching computer science.