Document Type
Conference Paper
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Volume
2011
Pages
742-748
Conference Name
World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education
Abstract
This paper reports on an exploratory study which used a graphical programming environment, Scratch, to facilitate the comprehension of a scripting programming language, ActionScript. Online survey questionnaires were distributed to 34 enrolled students, in a graduate level programming course with a 70% response rate. Findings indicated that Scratch contributed to the understanding of basic programming concepts such as event handling, sequential, and conditional statement but it was less helpful in assisting students’ understanding of more abstract concepts such as variables. This study also suggests that students’ learning style preference and proficiency with programming also make a difference in their perception of using Scratch. Educators are recommended to provide students with explicit guidance on how the different programming environments manifest similar programming ideas and concepts.
Original Publication Citation
Luo, T. (2011). The effects of tinkerability on novice programming skill acquisition. Paper presented at the World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education.
Repository Citation
Luo, Tian, "The Effects of Tinkerability on Novice Programming Skill Acquisition" (2011). STEMPS Faculty Publications. 12.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/stemps_fac_pubs/12
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons