Cross Duel (mod_crossduel)
Cross Duel is a two-player, turn-based crossword activity module for Moodle.
It supports both single-player practice and pseudo-real-time multiplayer gameplay, where learners take turns solving crossword clues on a shared board.
" Features
- Automatic crossword layout generation from a simple word list
- Two-player "ping-pong" gameplay (pseudo-real-time)
- Teacher preview and approval of generated layouts
- Configurable reveal percentage and pass threshold
- Gradebook integration
- Works asynchronously — players do not need to be online at the same time
- Safe single-player mode for practice and testing
" Authoring Content
Teachers define the crossword using a simple format:
word|clue
Example:
algorithm|A step-by-step procedure
variable|A named value that can change
loop|A repeated sequence of instructions
Rules
- One entry per line
- Use a single | to separate word and clue
- Blank lines are ignored
- Recommended maximum: 50 entries
- Simple single words work best for layout generation
'🏫 Teacher Workflow
- Create activity and enter word list
- Open Preview
- Review generated layout
- Approve layout
- Students can now play
🎮 Gameplay
- Players take turns solving words
- Each correct answer reveals part of the shared crossword
- Progress is saved between sessions
- The game ends when all words are solved or conditions are met
⚙️ Installation
Copy the plugin to:
/mod/crossduel
Visit:
Site administration ' Notifications
Complete installation
🧪 Compatibility
- Moodle 4.4+
- Moodle 5.x (tested on 5.1.x)
🔐 Privacy
This plugin stores user activity data including:
- attempts
- answers
- game participation
- moves
It implements the Moodle Privacy API and supports data export and deletion.
⚠️ Notes for Reviewers
- Uses pseudo-real-time polling for multiplayer gameplay
- AJAX currently implemented via view.php routing
- Designed to migrate to External Services in future iteration
🛠 Development Notes
- Built with a cPanel-first workflow (no CLI required)
- Designed to be understandable and modifiable by non-specialist developers
- Emphasis on clean, incremental compliance with Moodle standards
📄 License
GNU GPL v3 or later
http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/gpl.html
' Author
Johan Venter
johan@myfutureway.co.za
🚀 Roadmap (optional future improvements)
- Migration to External Services (AJAX modernization)
- AMD + Mustache UI layer
- Enhanced layout generation heuristics
- Real-time (WebSocket) option
