Mediated Transfer in Teaching Programming Using Visual Programming Languages

Abstract

Novice programmers find learning programming difficult and challenging. That perception has a negative effect on motivation, and problems which students face during their first learning attempts only confirm their expectations so they give up. Using simpler syntax and environment is a possible solution to make the first programming experience easier or to lower the threshold towards complex programming languages. It is very important to choose the programming language and the developing environment which are suitable for student’s age. In this paper, we describe few examples of didactic tools used for teaching programming to students of different age and also visual programming projects evaluation.

Keywords

• visual programming
• didactic reduction
• tangible programming
• mediated transfer