Developing computational thinking via the visual programming tool

Author(s):  
Ana M Pinto-Llorente ◽  
Sonia Casillas Martín ◽  
Marcos Cabezas González ◽  
Francisco José García-Peñalvo
2021 ◽  
pp. 073563312110177
Author(s):  
Avital Kesler ◽  
Tamar Shamir-Inbal ◽  
Ina Blau

The integration of visual programming in early formal education has been found to promote computational thinking of students. Teachers' intuitive perspectives about optimal learning processes – "folk psychology" – impact their perspectives about teaching "folk pedagogy" and play a significant role in integrating educational technologies, such as visual programming, within the formal curriculum. This study was conducted based on the mixed method research paradigm. First, a folk pedagogy questionnaire was distributed to 89 teachers who integrate differing technologies in their classroom in order to identify the teachers' pedagogical perspectives: constructivist versus instructivist. Then, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 teachers who teach Scratch in order to gain a deeper understanding of their instructivist/constructivist perspectives and actual pedagogical practices and strategies. Finally, we analyzed 96 students' programming artifacts to explore differences, if any, in students' outcomes related to the pedagogical perspectives of their teachers. Findings revealed that pedagogical perspectives are reflected in teaching strategies and assessment practices employed in a visual programming environment. It is promising that teaching visual programming promoted constructivist pedagogy even among instructivist teachers and was consequently reflected in student perspectives and expressed in their programming artifacts. We discuss theoretical and educational implications of these findings.


Author(s):  
Serhat Altiok ◽  
Erman Yükseltürk

In our age, computational thinking that involves understanding human behavior and designing systems for solving problems is important as much as reading, writing and arithmetic for everyone. Computer programming is one of the ways that could be promote the process of developing computational thinking, in addition to developing higher-order thinking skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills etc. However, instead of focusing on problems and sub-problems, algorithms, or the most effective and efficient solution, focusing on programming language specific needs and problems affects the computational thinking process negatively. Many educators use different tools and pedagogical approaches to overcome these difficulties such as, individual work, collaborative work and visual programming tools etc. In this study, researchers analyze four visual programming tools (Scratch, Small Basic, Alice, App Inventor) for students in K-12 level and three methodologies (Project-based learning, Problem-based learning and Design-based learning) while teaching programming in K-12 level. In summary, this chapter presents general description of visual programming tools and pedagogical approaches, examples of how each tool can be used in programming education in accordance with the CT process and the probable benefits of these tools and approaches to explore the practices of computational thinking.


Author(s):  
Hatice Yildiz Durak ◽  
Mustafa Saritepeci ◽  
Ahmet Topçu ◽  
Aykut Durak

This study examined the predictiveness of demographic and academic variables and the variables which are in relation with programming on computational thinking (CT) self-efficacy of middle school students who received and who did not receive programming education. Relational screening model was utilized in this study. One-hundred ninety-nine middle school students from 5th and 6th grades in Turkey composed the participants of the research. As the result of the research, it was found that CT self-efficacy level is low. Furthermore, programming experiences of the students are approximately two years. The most important predictor of CT self-efficacy of the students who received programming education is demographic variables. Predictive variables' relative order of importance on CT self-efficacy of the students who received programming education are gender, utilized programming tool, math class grade point average, and attitude towards programming.


2022 ◽  
pp. 648-676
Author(s):  
Serhat Altiok ◽  
Erman Yükseltürk

In our age, computational thinking that involves understanding human behavior and designing systems for solving problems is important as much as reading, writing and arithmetic for everyone. Computer programming is one of the ways that could be promote the process of developing computational thinking, in addition to developing higher-order thinking skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking skills etc. However, instead of focusing on problems and sub-problems, algorithms, or the most effective and efficient solution, focusing on programming language specific needs and problems affects the computational thinking process negatively. Many educators use different tools and pedagogical approaches to overcome these difficulties such as, individual work, collaborative work and visual programming tools etc. In this study, researchers analyze four visual programming tools (Scratch, Small Basic, Alice, App Inventor) for students in K-12 level and three methodologies (Project-based learning, Problem-based learning and Design-based learning) while teaching programming in K-12 level. In summary, this chapter presents general description of visual programming tools and pedagogical approaches, examples of how each tool can be used in programming education in accordance with the CT process and the probable benefits of these tools and approaches to explore the practices of computational thinking.


2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanika ◽  
Shampa Chakraverty ◽  
Pinaki Chakraborty

Courses on computer programming are included in the curricula of almost all engineering disciplines. We surveyed the research literature and identified the techniques that are commonly used by instructors for teaching these courses. We observed that visual programming and game-based learning can enhance computational thinking and problem-solving skills in students and may be used to introduce them to programming. Robot programming may be used to attract students to programming, but the success of this technique is subjected to the availability of robots. Pair and collaborative programming allows students to learn from one another and write efficient programs. Assessment systems help instructors in evaluating programs written by students and provide them with timely feedback. Furthermore, an analysis of citations showed that Scratch is the most researched tool for teaching programming. We discuss how these techniques may be used to teach introductory courses, advanced courses, and massive open online courses on programming.


2014 ◽  
Vol 614 ◽  
pp. 576-579
Author(s):  
Xiu Hua Ma

In this paper, SolidWorks2012 was redeveloped by visual programming tool Visual Basic6.0 to realize the three-dimensional parametric design of wellhead gate valve and the transformation of corresponding engineering drawings on the engineering diagram template. Then the finite element analysis was progressed directly by using the SolidWorks module of the finite element analysis. This can shorten design time of gate valve and improve work efficiency.


2014 ◽  
Vol 644-650 ◽  
pp. 4411-4414
Author(s):  
Hui E Chen

In this paper, through the powerful visual programming tool called VC++ in the MFC library, used to achieve a function mapping system, its functions include drawing and linewidth graphics settings, select and text color for drawing. At the same time, a detailed implementation process of drawing system and function of the drawing system expansion, improves the system openness and practicality.


2014 ◽  
Vol 687-691 ◽  
pp. 2768-2771
Author(s):  
Zu Wei Wang

Based on the study of abroad foundation on visual theory, we conduct depth discussion of the current introduction of visual teaching meaning. For the current computer graphics course content, we determine a visual teaching content and objectives, carry out the study and practice of computer graphics algorithm visualization teaching. This paper uses VB 6.0 visual programming tool to generate the basic primitives, polygon filling, cut a straight line segment, curve generation and visualization of fractal algorithm design and realization. Through analysis, this paper hold that use of visual teaching has a positive effect and influence for professors to change the way teachers help students understand computer graphics algorithm. In the process of teaching, students improve the understanding, exploration, discovery and creativity through observation, conjecture and verify.


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