A Web Based Tool for Novice Programmers: Interaction in Use
Onur Donmez1
and Mustafa Murat Inceoglu1 
| (1) |
Computer Education and Instructional Technologies Department, Ege University Faculty of Education, |
Abstract
This paper represents a web based tool model for novice programmers. It is a well known fact that, because of its abstract
nature, programming is perceived to be hard amongst novice learners. Aim of this web based tool is to make students feel more
comfortable with programming and overcome the abstractness. While designing this software we took the results of recent studies’
into consideration to promote the effectiveness, such as getting learner inputs as code and variable values and giving representations
of code and variables as learning aids. What is new to this software is placing learners into a more effective role. With
this software learners are no more passive viewers of floating graphics, but active “simulators” of their very own code and
inputs. With this software, learners simulate the “notional machine” behind the screen. In this paper we will be giving details
about the model along with its potential uses.
Keywords programming - novice programmers - notional machine - constructivism - interaction
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