Abstract
This paper discusses the first two phases in the development of a Learn to Code online web-based application, presents our initial findings and outlines the next stage of the research. First year Computer Science students start university with a wide range of qualifications, competencies, learning styles and experience with respect to computer programming. Research has found that the way programming is taught impacts on students’ confidence, their level of interest for the subject and whether they continue with programming. A common criticism of the teaching of computer programming is that it is too ‘abstract’ and hard to grasp, leading to students losing interest in the subject. The application is a digital resource developed to build students’ confidence in three common programming languages. The application uses code visualisation, web animation, lessons and video. The code visualiser analyses the code entered by the student and shows them graphically - in real-time - the code in the form of a flowchart. The application promotes learner autonomy and was designed to be accessible from multiple platforms and devices to enable students to be mobile learners. Feedback has been positive. Future work will extend the functionality of the application and the collaboration with students as co-creators.
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Colom, AG., Purdy, W. (2021). Learn to Code, an Interactive Application to Promote Mobile Student-Centred Learning. In: Auer, M.E., Tsiatsos, T. (eds) Internet of Things, Infrastructures and Mobile Applications. IMCL 2019. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 1192. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49932-7_23
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49932-7_23
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