1.

Can you identify any specific instances where you had to break down a complex
problem into smaller steps while playing the game? How did this relate to computational
thinking?

While solving the maze, in order for the user to complete it, we have to break down each
part of the maze and interpret how the player should move. This requires us to relate to
Decomposition by breaking down the step into smaller problems and solve the maze bit
by bit.

2. Which maze required you to use patterns and sequences to progress? How does this
relate to the concept of computational thinking?

The mazes where we had to use certain commands like while, else, and if else were the
ones where we had to recognize the patterns first, before applying the commands. This
relates to the concept of computational thinking in regards to how we approach a
problem. Where we are obliged to recognize the patterns or sequences in problems and
use it to our advantage to finish said problem.

3. Were there any moments during the game where you had to anticipate potential
outcomes of your actions before making a decision? How does this relate to how you
came out with the algorithm?

Yes because the wrong move in game could lead to death. Hence, it is required to plan
out step by step through algorithm to come out with the best course of action to avoid
taking damage and clearing the stage effectively.

4. Can you draw parallels between the game's virtual world and real-world scenarios where
you might apply computational thinking principles to solve problems?

In the game, I found myself utilising the technique of “decomposition” to move through
an intricately designed map that my character had to navigate, including a lot of different
sections and types of obstacles it had to maneuver through. This is very applicable to
our real-life experiences wherein confronting a daunting and complex issue may initially
appear overwhelming, but once we delve into it, breaking it down into manageable sub-
problems, it is remarkable how what once seemed formidable becomes approachable to
solve step by step.
5. Describe a situation in the game where you needed to think recursively, where a
problem was broken down into similar subproblems. How does recursion relate to
computational thinking?

Recursion relates to computational thinking in the sense that sometimes, we need to

separate a problem into similar yet smaller subproblems, where we could collectively
solve them more efficiently.

6. Reflect on how trial and error played a role in your gameplay experience. How does
experimentation connect with the iterative process that's often part of computational
thinking?

Many times during the game the solution is not as straightforward as it seems; it requires
different attempts to reach the end goal. This trial and error ties in with abstraction as we
need to eliminate irrelevant details and solve the problem.

7. Discuss the relationship between the game's rules and the actions you could take. How
did understanding and interpreting these rules align with the logic and reasoning aspects
of computational thinking?

The game rules use simple movement instructure like “Move Forward”, “Turn Left”
which requires the user to chain those instructions in order to move the character in the
game accordingly. The understanding of the game rule is linked to abstraction in
computational thinking whereby we identify and utilise the structure of concepts or main
idea, which in this case was using movement instructure to guide through the character
and solve the maze. With the understanding, we can then manage the complexity of the
maze by focusing on what movement instructure to use in order to solve the maze.

8. Reflect on the concept of abstraction as applied in the game. Can you identify any
elements that were simplified or generalized, and how did this help you understand and
interact within the game world?

To solve the maze, abstraction is needed to separate the maze into several smaller and
easier to solve pieces. Abstraction allowed us to solve the maze more efficiently, by
isolating and handling specific sections of the maze. Aside from that, abstraction also
allowed us to “filter out the noise” so that we could focus on the main objective of the
maze. For instance, we could avoid the altercation with the dragon and circle around it to
get to the final crystal, which is the goal of the game.
9. Reflect on the creativity and innovation required when coming up with solutions to
unique challenges in the game. How does computational thinking foster creative
problem-solving?

Computational thinking involves teamwork and collaboration by exchanging ideas with

others. It can spark creative insights and lead to innovative strategies as others might
have the idea that you don’t have. While computational thinking also provides a
structured framework, it also encourages thinking outside the box. This freedom to
explore unconventional ideas and solutions promotes creative thinking and innovation.

10. Can you connect the idea of algorithms, which are fundamental in computational
thinking, to the series of actions you took to complete a specific task or solve a problem
in the game?

To solve a maze, we had to write systematic commands in a certain order to reach the
end of the maze. By writing those commands, we are subconsciously training ourselves
to form algorithms in order to maximize efficiency, logical decision making, and last but
not least, reproducibility.

11. Describe a situation in the game where you had to weigh different options and make a
decision based on logical reasoning. How does this decision-making process reflect the
principles of computational thinking?

On maze level 15, we had to choose between using the script written in the answer key
and writing a script ourselves. After contemplating, we chose to manually write a longer
script that works. This decision reflects how we need to use the principles of
computational thinking such as abstraction, to filter out the unimportant and incorrect
things, as well as pattern recognition, in order to write the algorithm needed to solve the
maze.

12. Reflect on your overall gaming experience today. How has participating in this tutorial
class enhanced our understanding of computational thinking, and how might you apply
these principles beyond the virtual world of gaming?

Solving 3D mazes offered me valuable insights into computational thinking and its
broader applications. It involves devising a step-by-step process to navigate through
complex paths and recognise patterns in the maze layout that were essential to navigate
the movements through the maze efficiently. Computational thinking can also be applied
beyond the virtual world of gaming such as in education, where educators can use
computational thinking to design effective teaching strategies, develop educational
technology, and create engaging learning experiences.