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Frame-Based Editing: Easing the Transition from Blocks to Text-Based Programming

Kölling, Michael and Brown, Neil C.C. and Altadmri, Amjad (2015) Frame-Based Editing: Easing the Transition from Blocks to Text-Based Programming. In: Proceedings of the Workshop in Primary and Secondary Computing Education. ACM-ICPS International Conference Proceeding Series . ACM, New York, USA, pp. 29-38. ISBN 978-1-4503-3753-3. (doi:10.1145/2818314.2818331) (KAR id:50406)

Abstract

Block-based programming systems, such as Scratch or Alice, are the most popular environments for introducing young children to programming. However, mastery of text-based programming continues to be the educational goal for stu- dents who continue to program into their teenage years and beyond. Transitioning across the significant gap between the two editing styles presents a difficult challenge in school- level teaching of programming. We propose a new style of program manipulation to bridge the gap: frame-based edit- ing. Frame-based editing has the resistance to errors and approachability of block-based programming while retaining the flexibility and more conventional programming seman- tics of text-based programming languages. In this paper, we analyse the issues involved in the transition from blocks to text and argue that they can be overcome by using frame- based editing as an intermediate step. A design and imple- mentation of a frame-based editor is provided.

Item Type: Book section
DOI/Identification number: 10.1145/2818314.2818331
Uncontrolled keywords: Editing, Frame-based editing, Novice programming
Subjects: Q Science > QA Mathematics (inc Computing science) > QA 76 Software, computer programming, > QA76.76 Computer software
Q Science > QA Mathematics (inc Computing science) > QA 76 Software, computer programming, > QA76.9.H85 Human computer interaction
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences > School of Computing
Depositing User: Michael Kolling
Date Deposited: 07 Sep 2015 13:22 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Feb 2021 13:27 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/50406 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Kölling, Michael.

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Brown, Neil C.C..

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Altadmri, Amjad.

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