Helping K-12 Students Write Their First Line of Python: Building a Game-Based Learning Platform with Pygame - KangaCode

Abstract

How can we help K–12 students write their first line of Python – and stay engaged? In this talk, I’ll share how KangaCode helps students write real Python code to interact with an RPG-style world. Designed for young learners, KangaCode lowers the barrier to entry and turns abstract coding concepts into concrete, interactive experiences. By linking code to immediate visual feedback in a story-driven game, students learn through exploration, experimentation, and play. For example, students learn loops by repeating game actions – not by doing boring exercises. I’ll also cover the technical foundation: Pygame for real-time interaction, Django for backend logic and progress tracking, and a sandboxed environment for safe code execution. These systems support learning while ensuring engagement and safety. This talk shares both the educational insights and technical structure behind KangaCode, offering ideas for those exploring the intersection of Python, learning, and play.

Description