Conference PaperPosition: IntelliBlox: A Toolkit for Integrating Block-Based Programming into Game-Based Learning EnvironmentsTaylor, Sandra; Min, Wookhee; Mott, Bradford; Emerson, Andrew; Smith, Andy; Wiebe, Eric; Lester, JamesBlock-based programming languages reduce the need to learn low-level programming syntax while enabling novice learners to focus on computational thinking skills. Game-based learning environments have been shown to create effective and engaging learning experiences for students in a broad range of educational domains. The fusion of block-based programming with game-based learning offers significant potential to motivate learners to develop computational thinking skills. A key challenge educational game developers face in creating rich, interactive learning experiences that integrate computational thinking activities is the lack of an embeddable block-based programming toolkit. Current block-based programming languages, such as Blockly and Scratch, cannot be easily embedded into industry-standard 3D game engines. This paper presents IntelliBlox, a Blockly-inspired toolkit for the Unity cross-platform game engine that enables learners to create block-based programs within immersive game-based learning environments. Our experience using IntelliBlox suggests that it is an effective toolkit for integrating block-based programming challenges into game-based learning environments.2019-10-01101622202019 IEEE Blocks and Beyond Workshop (B&B)55 to 58https://doi.org/10.1109/BB48857.2019.89412221921495; 1640141; 1934153; 1934128; 1921503National Science Foundation