1. A Step Back from Coding An Online Environment and Pedagogy for Novice Programmers Andrew Scott, Mike Watkins, Duncan McPhee. University of Glamorgan ASSCOTT@GLAM.AC.UK

2. Overview Novice Programming Issues, Flowchart Visualisation and Flowchart Based Programming Environments The Programming Tool and Online Capability Scaffolding Based Pedagogy Summary Question and Answers

3. Novice Programming Issues The syntax and semantics of the programming language Program design and problem solving The development environment Paradigm specifics such as objects Sequence Selection Iteration first

4. Flowchart Visualisation of Computer Programs The need for visualisation Why Flowcharts? What about UML Activity Diagrams? Flowchart Animation Utility of Flowcharts

5. Flowchart Based Programming Environments Raptor, Flowchart Interpreter, and Flint – Utilise flowcharts for Animation and Program Creation – No facility to generate code Structured Flowchart Editor – Flowcharts and code generation – No animation features – No program execution features Evaluations demonstrate the effectiveness of flowchart visualisation and animation

6. The Progranimate Programming Aid Visualises the programming task – Flowcharts and computer code representations, – Program animation and execution Removes the Complexity of writing code – Automatically generated code in multiple languages – Code animation in sync with flowchart animation It Is un-intimidating - easy to use and learn – Removes the initial confusion and intimidation associated with professional environments

7. A Quick Progranimate Demo Hyperlink to Progranimate Web Start

8. WWW Integration Can now be deployed via Java Webstart Can also be deployed as an applet – The tool can be visually customised in a number of ways Files can be program loaded locally or via the Internet Ideal as the centre piece of an online tutorial Examples, Iteration Tutorial Biggest Number Program

9. Vygotsky’s Theory of Social Development Scaffolding Instructional Strategy – Tutor modelling behaviour or concept for student, – Student imitating tutors behaviour – Tutor fading out instruction and support – Independent problem solving ability Zone of Proximal Development

10. Teaching Pedagogy Covers the basics of – Sequence – Selection – Iteration Combining the use of – Scaffolding Pedagogy – Programming tool – Online Instructional Environment

11. Pedagogy Overview 1. Basic programming structures and concept demonstration 2. Guided problem solving 3. Assisted problem solving 1. Step1 2. Step2 3. Step3 4. Un-assisted problem solving

12. Pedagogy Summary Suitable for the first semester of an introductory course in computing Ideal as a valuable precursor to an introductory programming course A solid foundation for more complex programming topics such as objects

13. Conclusion Proposed a solution to the problems of novice programmers – Visual Programming Tool Visualised the programming task, Removed the impact of writing confusing syntax, Overcome the hurdles associated with the development environment, – Scaffolding pedagogy and online instructional environment Further work

14. Any Questions