Teacher user guide
Intermediate Python
Kurono is an online multi-player game that is intended to be used in your classroom. The game is split into several levels to aid tracking and progress control and enable us to provide different starting code.
To create a new Kurono game you need to have a class and then assign it to a challenge level. You can switch to the following challenges with the class as you progress. Students' code will be saved unless you delete the set of games.
The aim of the Game
Kurono uses an avatar to represent each player. Your pupils will create programs to instruct their avatars how to respond to the environment around them. They do this by writing Python code that is run by the game. Their avatar will be able to do things like searching and collecting objects.
Players should have some Python experience already. There is a help sheet called Kurono Guide for more information on the pre-built functions that can be used in the game.
Getting started
Open your web browser and go to: www.codeforlife.education
Log in as a teacher and go to www.codeforlife.education/teach/kurono/dashboard
Here, you will have the option to create a new game by adding the class to the table. The system will automatically select the first challenge for any new class.
You can change this by using the drop-down menu within the table.
Once you have assigned the challenge to the class, the students will be able to see their active game on the student dashboard. They will have access to the active challenge sheet, user guide and Kurono guide from their dashboard as well.
The game dashboard
Code area | Map area |
This is where the players will write their code to control their avatar. Once players have made a change to their code, they should press the “Run code” button. | Here you will see the player's avatar on the map. The blue pointer above it will help distinguish their avatar from others. |
After a few seconds, a notification will appear in the map view to show that their avatar is now running the updated code. | There is a compass in the bottom left of the map view to help players understand the orientation of the game map so that the correct direction instructions can be given. |
The console log will display the output of any print statement as well as error messages. | There is a "Find me" button in the bottom right corner for the player to click should they wish to recentre their avatar. |
Players can add print statements to help them debug their code. | The code written in the code view will be reflected in the avatar’s actions in the map view. |
Demonstrate the game and get the students started
It is a good idea to demonstrate the first bit of challenge 1 in front of the class to make sure the students understand how the game works before they have a go. You can do this by accessing the game through your teacher dashboard and simply changing the avatar's direction.
Getting the students started
Once you have shown the class how to change direction, ask the students to login to their class using their username, access code and password or direct login link.
They should then select the Kurono option on their games page.
They will be taken to the Kurono student dashboard.
They can then read through the activated challenge, and when ready, they can start.
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