Design and analysis of microworlds and puzzles for block-based programming

PELÁNEK, Radek and Tomáš EFFENBERGER. Design and analysis of microworlds and puzzles for block-based programming. Computer Science Education. Routledge, 2022, vol. 32, No 1, p. 66-104. ISSN 0899-3408. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08993408.2020.1832813.

Basic information

• Original name: Design and analysis of microworlds and puzzles for block-based programming
• Authors: PELÁNEK, Radek (203 Czech Republic, guarantor, belonging to the institution) and Tomáš EFFENBERGER (203 Czech Republic, belonging to the institution).
• Edition: Computer Science Education, Routledge, 2022, 0899-3408.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Article in a journal
• Field of Study: 10201 Computer sciences, information science, bioinformatics
• Country of publisher: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• WWW: URL
• Impact factor: Impact factor: 2.700
• RIV identification code: RIV/00216224:14330/22:00124864
• Organization unit: Faculty of Informatics
• Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08993408.2020.1832813
• UT WoS: 000588102700001
• Keywords in English: introductory programming; block-based programming; microworld; puzzle; difficulty; log analysis
• Tags: International impact, Reviewed

Abstract

Background and Context: Block-based programming is a popular approach to teaching introductory programming. Block-based programming often works in the context of microworlds, where students solve specific puzzles. It is used, for example, within the Hour of Code event, which targets millions of students. Objective: To identify design guidelines and data analysis methods for the iterative development of microworlds and puzzles for block-based programming. Method: To achieve the objective, we provide a review of the literature, discussion of specific examples of microworlds and puzzles, and an analysis of extensive student data. Findings: A wide range of programming microworlds share common elements. The analysis of data is useful for iterative improvement of microworlds and puzzles, serving several specific purposes. Implications: Provided design guidelines and analysis methods can be directly used for the development and improvement of tools for introductory programming.

Links

• MUNI/A/1050/2019, interní kód MU: Name: Rozsáhlé výpočetní systémy: modely, aplikace a verifikace IX (Acronym: SV-FI MAV IX)

Investor: Masaryk University, Category A

• MUNI/A/1076/2019, interní kód MU: Name: Zapojení studentů Fakulty informatiky do mezinárodní vědecké komunity 20 (Acronym: SKOMU)

Investor: Masaryk University, Category A