M5 Master Wizards of Java Learning Java fundamentals through magic and storytelling

This e-learning unit is designed for English-speaking first-semester students enrolled in a media and computing program. It teaches the fundamentals of Java programming in a creative and engaging way. Instead of traditional, dry exercises, students are guided through a magical storyline where programming concepts are explained using potions, magical capes, wands, and other fantasy elements. To ensure long-term usability, all learning content is managed via a connected headless CMS, allowing professors and students to adapt and expand the platform beyond the semester. Combined with a custom visual design theme, this e-learning unit offers a flexible, fun, and didactically meaningful approach to learning programming.

Each lecture within the e-learning unit combines various content elements to create an engaging and interactive learning experience. In addition to text, audio, video, and images, learners can also encounter a variety of exercises. These include coding tasks, cloze tests, line-marking activities, multiple-choice questions, and many other interactive components—all easily manageable through the CMS platform.

To go beyond simple string comparisons and make the coding exercises more engaging, we integrated a Java compiler into the platform. This compiler runs in a separate Docker container and communicates with the application whenever code is submitted.

With a manual for content creation, instructors can easily adapt and expand the learning content without having to touch the codebase.
Link to manual

With over 100 pages of content, our application offers a rich, structured learning experience tailored to first-semester students. The platform is built, tested, and ready to go!