ERIC Number: EJ1023096
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0899-3408
EISSN: N/A
Learning Computer Science Concepts with Scratch
Meerbaum-Salant, Orni; Armoni, Michal; Ben-Ari, Mordechai
Computer Science Education, v23 n3 p239-264 2013
Scratch is a visual programming environment that is widely used by young people. We investigated if Scratch can be used to teach concepts of computer science (CS). We developed learning materials for middle-school students that were designed according to the constructionist philosophy of Scratch and evaluated them in a few schools during two years. Tests were constructed based upon a novel combination of the revised Bloom taxonomy and the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome taxonomy. These instruments were augmented with qualitative tools, such as observations and interviews. The results showed that students could successfully learn important concepts of CS, although there were problems with some concepts such as repeated execution, variables, and concurrency. We believe that these problems can be overcome by modifications to the teaching process that we suggest.
Descriptors: Computer Science Education, Middle School Students, Programming Languages, Taxonomy, Educational Technology, Technology Uses in Education, Web Sites, Concept Formation, Evaluation Methods, Instructional Effectiveness, Mixed Methods Research, Pretests Posttests, Semi Structured Interviews, Interviews, Observation, Cognitive Ability, Grades (Scholastic)
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Middle Schools; Grade 9; Grade 8
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A