Kara, finite state machines, and the case for programming as part of general education

Hartmann, Werner; Nievergelt, Jürg; Reichert, Raimond

doi:10.1109/hcc.2001.995251

Cited by 21 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Kara [Hartmann et al 2001] is an educational software system which enables a learner to control a virtual ladybug based on finite state machines. Specially developed for programming novices, it makes them learn the basic control structures such as command, sequence, conditional branch, and iteration.…”

Section: The Kara Environmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Diagnosing Learners’ Problem-Solving Strategies Using Learning Environments with Algorithmic Problems in Secondary Education

Kiesmüller

2009

ACM Trans. Comput. Educ.

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At schools special learning and programming environments are often used in the field of algorithms. Particularly with regard to computer science lessons in secondary education, they are supposed to help novices to learn the basics of programming. In several parts of Germany (e.g., Bavaria) these fundamentals are taught as early as in the seventh grade, when pupils are 12 to 13 years old. Designed age-based learning and programming environments such as Karel the robot and Kara, the programmable ladybug, are used, but learners still underachieve. One possible approach to improving both the teaching and the learning process is to specify the knowledge concerning the learners' individual problem solving strategies, their solutions, and their respective quality.A goal of the research project described here is to design the learning environment so that it can identify and categorize several problem-solving strategies automatically. Based on this knowledge, learning and programming environments can be improved, which will optimize the computer science lessons in which they are applied. Therefore, the environments must be enhanced with special analytic and diagnostic modules, the results of which can be given to the learner in the form of individualized system feedback messages in the future.In this text preliminary considerations are demonstrated. The research methodology as well as the design and the implementation of the research instruments are explained. We describe first studies, whose results are presented and discussed. ACM Reference Format:Kiesmüller, U. 2009. Diagnosing learners' problem-solving strategies using learning environments with algorithmic problems in secondary education. ACM Trans. of Comput.

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Section: The Kara Environmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Diagnosing Learners’ Problem-Solving Strategies Using Learning Environments with Algorithmic Problems in Secondary Education

Kiesmüller

2009

ACM Trans. Comput. Educ.

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“…This leads to richer interactions through predicates that can test the presence of walls and beepers. Kara [7] is another microworld where a ladybird picks leafs while avoiding trees. Many other similar microworlds have been proposed in the literature, as reviewed in [2].…”

Section: Context and State Of The Artmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Teaching System to Learn Programming

Quinson¹,

Oster

2015

Proceedings of the 2015 ACM Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education

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The Programmer's Learning Machine (PLM) is an interactive exerciser for learning programming and algorithms. Using an integrated and graphical environment that provides a short feedback loop, it allows students to learn in a (semi)-autonomous way. This generic platform also enables teachers to create specific programming microworlds that match their teaching goals. This paper discusses our design goals and motivations, introduces the existing material and the proposed microworlds, and details the typical use cases from the student and teacher point of views.

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“…In a study conducted by Hartman, Nievergelt, and Reichert (2001) suggested the use of "finite state machines" about teaching beginner programming and noted further "programming practiced as an educational exercise, free from utilitarian concern is best learned in a toy environment, designed to illustrate selected concepts in the simplest setting" (p. 1). The study suggested introducing the concepts of programming to beginner students in a game environment where the gaming give them limited actions to learn simple control routines such as if/else structure.…”

Section: Program Planning Phasementioning

confidence: 99%

“…in a first technology service course, there is still a need to counter the difficulty issue with learning to program (Hartman, Nievergelt, & Reichert, 2001). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Conceptual Model for Learning to Program in Introductory Programming Courses

Ali

2009

IISIT

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The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model for learning to program in entry level programming courses. The intended model is aimed at providing a framework to simplify learning to program at beginner or entry level programming courses. Learning to program is considered to be a difficult task to many students and it has been attributed to the continuous decline in enrollment in technology programs lately. The conceptual model being worked on in this paper is developed along another model widely used in program and systems development known as the Systems Development Life Cycle or SDLC. The SDLC model is used widely in academia to teach the planning of programs and systems. Hence, the SDLC model is used in this paper to guide in the creation of a new conceptual model that is aimed to provide a framework to simplify learning to program.

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Kara, finite state machines, and the case for programming as part of general education

Cited by 21 publications

References 7 publications

Diagnosing Learners’ Problem-Solving Strategies Using Learning Environments with Algorithmic Problems in Secondary Education

Diagnosing Learners’ Problem-Solving Strategies Using Learning Environments with Algorithmic Problems in Secondary Education

A Teaching System to Learn Programming

A Conceptual Model for Learning to Program in Introductory Programming Courses

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