Blocks-based programming tools are becoming increasingly common in high-school introductory computer science classes. Such contexts quite different than the younger audience and informal settings where these more often used. This paper reports findings from a study looking at how high school students view blocks-based tools, what they identify as contributing to perceived ease-of-use of such see most salient differences between text-based programming. Students report that numerous factors...

The number of students taking high school computer science classes is growing. Increasingly, these are learning with graphical, block-based programming environments either in place or prior to traditional text-based languages. Despite their growing use formal settings, relatively little empirical work has been done understand the impacts using classrooms. In this article, we present results a 5-week, quasi-experimental study comparing isomorphic and an introductory class. findings from show...

Blocks-based programming environments are becoming increasingly common in introductory courses, but to date, little comparative work has been done understand if and how this approach affects students' emerging understanding of fundamental concepts. In an effort tools like Scratch Blockly differ from more conventional text-based languages with respect conceptual understanding, we developed a set "commutative" assessments. Each multiple-choice question on the assessment includes short program...

Considering how block-based programming environments and tools might be used at the introductory level beyond.

AI code generators like OpenAI Codex have the potential to assist novice programmers by generating from natural language descriptions, however, over-reliance might negatively impact learning and retention. To explore implications that on introductory programming, we conducted a controlled experiment with 69 novices (ages 10-17). Learners worked 45 Python code-authoring tasks, for which half of learners had access Codex, each followed code-modification task. Our results show using...

As Large Language Models (LLMs) gain in popularity, it is important to understand how novice programmers use them and the effect they have on learning code. We present results of a thematic analysis data set from 33 learners, aged 10-17, as independently learned Python by working 45 code-authoring tasks with access an AI Code Generator based OpenAI Codex. explore several questions related learners used LLM-based code generators, provide properties written prompts resulting generated...

Computer science (CS) is becoming an increasingly diverse domain. This paper reports on initiative designed to introduce underrepresented populations computing using eclectic, multifaceted approach. As part of a yearlong course, students engage in Maker activities, participatory simulations, and projects that foreground the social collaborative aspects CS. Collectively, these activities are learners growing diversity what CS looks like 21st century. lays out practical theoretical motivations...

As more elementary schools commit to integrating computer science instruction into their curricula, they seek guidance on what concepts are appropriate for students at different grade levels. Currently, little is known about how best sequence learning across grades. In this paper, we present an analysis of 123 students' (age 9-12, grades 4-6) activities in a curriculum implemented visual block-based programming language. The goal work better understand the developmental appropriateness...

There is a great deal of overlap between the set practices collected under term "computational thinking" and mathematical habits mind that are focus much mathematics instruction. Despite this overlap, links these two desirable educational outcomes rarely made explicit, either in classrooms or literature. This paper presents Lattice Land, computational learning environment accompanying curriculum designed to support development promote thinking high-school classrooms. Land microworld where...

The block-based approach to programming is an effective way engage young learners in and the powerful ideas of computing. In this paper, we explore potential using same a very different context: industrial robotics. Using customized language built with Blockly library, created interface for one-armed robot. This paper presents robot called Robot Blockly, focusing on how various affordances were utilized make challenge more accessible. We also present results from small-scale study showing...

A new wave of collaborative robots designed to work alongside humans is bringing the automation historically seen in large-scale industrial settings new, diverse contexts. However, ability program these machines often requires years training, making them inaccessible or impractical for many. This project rethinks what robot programming interfaces could be order make accessible and intuitive adult novice programmers. We created a block-based interface one-armed conducted study with 67 novices...

Abstract This paper argues for a re‐examination of the nature and goals broad computing education initiatives. Instead starting with specific values or goals, we instead begin by considering various desired endpoints instruction then work backward to reason about what form learning activities might take are underlying principles that support learners in reaching these endpoints. The result this exercise is push rethinking contemporary an eye toward more diverse, equitable meaningful With...

Video games offer an exciting opportunity for learners to engage in computational thinking informal contexts. This paper describes a genre of learning environments called constructionist video that are especially well suited developing learners' skills. These blend features conventional with and design theory from the tradition, making construction in-game artifacts core activity gameplay. Along defining game, authors present three principles central thier conception genre: personally...

Blocks-based, graphical programming environments are increasingly becoming the way that novices being introduced to practice of and field computer science more broadly. An open question surrounding use such tools is how well they prepare learners for using conventional text-based languages. In an effort address this transition, new providing support both blocks-based programming. paper, we present findings from a study investigating dual-modality environment where can choose work in either...

A new wave of collaborative robots designed to work alongside humans is bringing the automation historically seen in large-scale industrial settings new, diverse contexts. However, ability program these machines often requires years training, making them inaccessible or impractical for many. This paper rethinks what robot programming interfaces could be order make accessible and intuitive adult novice programmers. We created a block-based interface one-armed conducted study with 67 novices...

While several introductory computer science curricula exist for children in K-8, there are few options that go beyond sequence, loops, and basic conditionals. The goal of this project is to not only fill gap with a high-quality curriculum supported by complete instructional materials, but also do so an equity-balanced curriculum. That is, values advancing equity equally student learning outcomes. In paper, we introduce barriers public school classrooms, pedagogical approaches...

As computer science instruction gets offered to more young learners, transitioning from elective requirement, it is important explore the relationship between pedagogical approach and student behavior. While different approaches have particular motivations intended goals, little known about what degree they satisfy those goals.