Results of a Gamification University Experience for Teaching Web Programming: The “Alice in Codeland” Project

“Alice in Codeland” is a gamified course designed to introduce Web programming through HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP, incorporating game mechanics inspired by Haro Aso’s “Alice in Borderland.” The course structure leverages gamification principles, integrating elements such as a standard deck of French playing cards linked to programming exercises, team collaboration, and a dynamic scoring system to foster a competitive yet collaborative learning atmosphere. Each card represents a different level of challenge and is associated with a specific Web programming language, enabling students to progressively build their skills based on the card’s difficulty. The Mad Hatter character, inspired by Carrol’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” serves as a mentor and guide, presenting challenges and insights to facilitate the development of programming skills. The game incorporates a comprehensive evaluation system that not only assesses the correctness of submitted exercises but also factors in team performance, adherence to deadlines, and the ability to tackle challenges of varying difficulty. This course integrates narrative elements and gamification to engage students in Web development, emphasizing autonomous learning, creativity, and teamwork.