Visual programming and computational thinking environments for K-9 education: a systematic literature review
by Dimitrios Trakosas; Christina Tikva; Efthimios Tambouris
International Journal of Learning Technology (IJLT), Vol. 18, No. 1, 2023

Abstract: Teaching programming and computational thinking to young students has gained increasing attention in recent years. This great attention is attributed partially to the emergence of easy-to-use visual programming environments. These environments help students focus on the logic and concepts of programming and at the same time enhance their engagement. It has been shown that the characteristics of visual programming environments influence students' engagement with programming. However, there is still no systematic investigation of these characteristics. This study aims to provide insights on the characteristics of visual programming environments for K-9 education based on a systematic literature review of 83 empirical studies on K-9 teaching and learning programming. These characteristics are analysed based on the following four levels: a) functional features; b) student experience; c) teacher experience; d) disadvantages. Finally, herein we discuss the features that a programming environment for K-9 education could have to improve the experience of students and teachers.

Online publication date: Tue, 06-Jun-2023

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