Hybrid educational games and the development of computational thinking skills: a systematic mapping

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14571/brajets.v19.n1.153-184

Keywords:

computational thinking, educational games, hybrid games, basic education

Abstract

The integration of computational thinking in Basic Education is essential nowadays and should be worked on from the earliest stages of education, as it is capable of developing a set of skills such as communication, problem-solving, creativity and cognition. This capacity becomes expressive in a scenario of rapid technological advancement, providing experiences that can encourage children in the way they think, act and behave socially. This study presents a systematic mapping in which educational games aimed at developing computational thinking skills in elementary school students were investigated, covering multiple areas of learning. The review prioritized hybrid educational games, but there was a need to broaden the search to include digital and non-digital games in order to identify trends in their development. As a result of this research, 90 relevant studies were analyzed, where the information extracted highlighted the predominance in the use of digital games aimed at mobile platforms, with the main focus on teaching programming concepts through the use of algorithms and sequences of instructions, for the initial years of elementary school. This work serves as a reference for researchers, developers and educators interested in understanding the current scenario of educational games focused on computational thinking and identifying gaps and opportunities for future research and innovative pedagogical practices.

Author Biographies

  • Elton Sommer, Federal University of Santa Maria

    Master's student in the Graduate Program in Networked Educational Technologies - PPGTER, at the Federal University of Santa Maria - UFSM (2024 - present).Bachelor's degree in Information Systems from the Franciscan University - UFN (2009)Computer Technician from Faculdade Metodista Centenário - FMC (2003)Currently working as an Administrative Technician in Education (TAE) at the Polytechnic College of the Federal University of Santa Maria - UFSM, with the position of IT Technician since 2018.

  • Giani Petri, Federal University of Santa Maria

    Professor at the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), assigned to the Polytechnic College of UFSM and permanent lecturer in the Graduate Program in Networked Educational Technologies (PPGTER). He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC, 2018), a master's degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM, 2013), and a bachelor's degree in Information Systems from the Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA, 2009) with a major in education (UFSM, 2014). He is a member of the program committee of several national congresses/workshops and is also a reviewer for national and international journals. He has experience in systems analysis, design and development, working mainly on the following research topics: educational games, computer education and software engineering.

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Published

28-03-2026

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Article

How to Cite

Sommer, E., & Petri, G. (2026). Hybrid educational games and the development of computational thinking skills: a systematic mapping. Cadernos De Educação Tecnologia E Sociedade, 19(1), 153-184. https://doi.org/10.14571/brajets.v19.n1.153-184