Exploring the Impact of Code.org's Block-Based Coding Curriculum on Student Motivation in K-12 Education

In an era where technological skills are essential, integrating coding curriculum within Macao's primary education is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, fostering programming skills among young learners is challenging, particularly when low motivation impedes learning. Code.org, a block-based programming website, has recently seen increasing use in universities, high schools, and primary schools. It incorporates gamification elements, allowing students to learn programming through a game-based challenge. This study employed a quasi-experimental approach to explore the impact of Code.org on enhancing students' motivation to learn coding. The participants comprised 20 grade three students who received three weeks of instruction, with six lessons each week, each lasting 40 minutes. The effectiveness of the Code.org intervention was assessed using the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS), which measures the dimensions of the ARCS motivation model: Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction. The findings revealed a significant boost in learning motivation across all ARCS dimensions following the Code.org course. The study also demonstrated a strong correlation between these dimensions within the block-based coding curriculum provided by Code.org, suggesting the value of such platforms in motivating and improving programming education in primary schools.