Exploring Why Novice Programmers Switch Between Text and Blocks in a Dual-Modality Coding Environment

• In Event: 34.078 - Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: 34.078-15 - Promoting Learning in the Disciplines With New Technologies

Abstract

Blocks-based, graphical programming environments are increasingly becoming the way that novices are being introduced to the practice of programming and the field of computer science. An open question surrounding the use of such blocks-based tools is how well they prepare learners for using more conventional text-based programming tools. In an effort to address this transition, new programming environments are providing support for both blocks-based and text-based programming. In this paper, we present findings from a study investigating how learners use such an environment. Our analysis investigates what modality learners choose to work in, and why and when learners move from one representation to other. We conclude with a discussion of design implications and future directions for this work.

Authors

• Nathan Holbert, Teachers College, Columbia University

• David Weintrop, University of Maryland - College Park