Design and evaluation of a scaffolded block-based learning environment for hierarchical data structures

Feijóo-García, Pedro Guillermo; Wang, Sishun; Cai, Jun; Polavarapu, Naga; Gardner-McCune, Christina; Ragan, Eric D.

doi:10.1109/vlhcc.2019.8818759

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Topics such as data structures require a high level of abstraction. Research suggests that scaffolded learning tools are necessary [31], [32]. One of the main advantages of scaffolded instruction is that it fosters an environment of supportive learning.…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One of the main advantages of scaffolded instruction is that it fosters an environment of supportive learning. Students contribute their knowledge by asking questions, providing feedback, and helping their peers learn new material [32]. Environments such as Scratch foster Scaffolded learning opportunities for students.…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There is block4ds, a block-based simulation tool developed to teach undergraduate computer science students advanced data structures such as Binary Search Trees (BST) [32]. These tools are designed to help students visualize hard concepts and help view data structure manipulations by generating relevant visual models representing the data structure, such as generating a BST after a node has been removed from the tree.…”

Section: Fig 2: Frequency Of Elements In the Arraymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Integrating Data Structures and Algorithms in K-12 Education using Block-based Programming

Jagadeesha¹,

Rayavaram²,

Marward³

et al. 2023

Preprint

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This paper describes the design and evaluation of DSAScratch, an extension to Scratch, a widely used block-based programming language. The DSAScratch framework implements advanced data structures such as arrays, sets, dictionaries, and searching and sorting algorithms. By presenting these concepts in an intuitive block-based interface, these blocks abstract away technical details and simplify data structures and algorithms concepts for K-12 students to grasp and apply to programming problems more readily. A preliminary evaluation of the tools' usability and learning outcomes is presented in this paper. Given the information we have gathered about DSAScratch, we show that the extension is beneficial for students to develop a deeper understanding of programming and an intuitive understanding of these concepts in high school. We present the methodology and preliminary results of a user study conducted with ten high school students. During the user study, 70% of the participants understood the key ideas behind DSAScratch implemented data structures and algorithms through a mixture of lectures and hands-on activities. We show that DSAScratch was also an important part of the workshop for 90% of the students who participated, as it enhanced their understanding of algorithms and data structures. Furthermore, they indicated that they would recommend DSAScratch to their peers.

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Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Fig 2: Frequency Of Elements In the Arraymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Integrating Data Structures and Algorithms in K-12 Education using Block-based Programming

Jagadeesha¹,

Rayavaram²,

Marward³

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…The use of block-based coding for STEM education can be seen in many studies, such as teaching robot programming to K-12 students [26], introductory machine learning [27], and mathematical thinking [28]. Block-based coding environments developed for advanced studies are Block4DS [29] and SEAL-Blockly [30], which are used for learning data structures and wireless sensor network programming, respectively. The concept of coding without code using graphical blocks is also applied to other areas besides education, such as MIT App Inventor [31] for mobile application development, Codejig [32] for web-based application development, and Tinkercad [33] for 3D design.…”

Section: Related Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

KidBright: An Open-Source Embedded Programming Platform with a Dedicated Software Framework in Support of Ecosystems for Learning to Code

et al. 2022

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The concept of coding at school has enabled educators and parents around the globe to become interested in coding as, these days, coding is regarded as a gateway to computational thinking for children. However, coding education in Thailand appears to lag behind that of many other countries due to the lack of accessible coding learning resources suitable for students as well as the limited number of teachers with coding experience. Regarding these issues, we have developed an open-source hardware-based coding platform named KidBright, based on these requirements: 1. making coding simple for novice learners through the use of graphical blocks with Thai and English support; 2. inspiring young students to develop creative embedded applications with minimal effort; and 3. providing sustainable support for coding education. KidBright is proposed as a coding learning tool that can motivate children to learn to code and develop embedded system projects using its block-based coding environment, the KidBright IDE, in conjunction with its embedded device, the KidBright board. KidBright is distinguished from other embedded programming platforms due to the deployment of a dedicated software framework as the backend of the KidBright IDE. In this article, we introduce KidBright and present the design, architecture, and demonstrations of the software framework, the key roles of which are to conceal low-level hardware issues from learners and to enable makers to develop new command blocks and hardware peripherals in support of KidBright. We claim that, with this particular design, KidBright can help support coding education sustainably. In particular, we present how a small research team introduces coding to a large number of learners who have little or no coding experience, resulting in an impact on coding education in the country.

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“…Bubbles [121] Ardublock Teach programming to children with a robot fish. Blocks4DS [46] Blockly Teach data structures. Crescendo 4 [166] Snap!…”

Section: Name Metatool Topicmentioning

confidence: 99%

DRAFT-What you always wanted to know but could not find about block-based environments

Merino,

Vinju,

Brand

2021

Preprint

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Block-based environments are visual programming environments, which are becoming more and more popular because of their ease of use. The ease of use comes thanks to their intuitive graphical representation and structural metaphors (jigsaw-like puzzles) to display valid combinations of language constructs to the users. Part of the current popularity of block-based environments is thanks to Scratch.As a result they are often associated with tools for children or young learners. However, it is unclear how these types of programming environments are developed and used in general. So we conducted a systematic literature review on block-based environments by studying 152 papers published between 2014 and 2020, and a non-systematic tool review of 32 block-based environments. In particular, we provide a helpful inventory of block-based editors for end-users on different topics and domains. Likewise, we focused on identifying the main components of block-based environments, how they are engineered, and how they are used. This survey should be equally helpful for language engineering researchers and language engineers alike. CCS Concepts: • General and reference → Surveys and overviews; • Software and its engineering → Graphical user interface languages; Visual languages; Integrated and visual development environments.

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Design and evaluation of a scaffolded block-based learning environment for hierarchical data structures

Cited by 8 publications

References 7 publications

Integrating Data Structures and Algorithms in K-12 Education using Block-based Programming

Integrating Data Structures and Algorithms in K-12 Education using Block-based Programming

KidBright: An Open-Source Embedded Programming Platform with a Dedicated Software Framework in Support of Ecosystems for Learning to Code

DRAFT-What you always wanted to know but could not find about block-based environments

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