In the current era where computational literacy holds significant relevance, a growing number of schools across the globe have placed emphasis on K-12 programming education. This field of education primarily comprises two distinct modalities--the block-based programming modality (BPM) and the text-based programming modality (TPM). Previous…

Although previous research has provided some insights into the effects of block-based and text-based programming modalities, there is a dearth of a detailed, multi-dimensional analysis of the transition process from different introductory programming modalities to professional programming learning. This study employed a quasi-experimental design…

This study explored the impact of MetaClassroom, a virtual immersive programming learning environment designed based on the three-dimensional learning progression (3DLP) concept, on students' multidimensional development. Utilizing a quasi-experimental research design, this study compared students' programming learning achievements (PLA),…

Computational thinking (CT) competency is essential for K-12 students in the digital societies. Understanding the relationship between students' CT and relevant factors contributes to implementing and improving CT education. Most previous studies investigated the effect of demographic or attitudinal factors on CT performance; whereas few research…

Robotics education has received widespread attention in K-12 education. Studies have pointed out that in robotics courses, learners face challenges in learning abstract content, such as constructing a robot with a good structure and writing programs to drive a robot to complete specific learning tasks. The present study proposed the embodied…

This study investigated the effects of the single programming approach (plugged-in and unplugged) and the mixed programming approach (plugged-in-first and unplugged-first) on the computational thinking (CT) skills of first-grade students. However, focusing only on the programming learning approach itself is insufficient. Therefore, the influences…

Background: Being easy to learn and fun, block-based programming tools are widely used to teach students introductory programming. Scratch and LEGO robots are two popular block-based programming tools. However, the objects they manipulate are completely different. Scratch manipulates graphical virtual sprites, whereas LEGO robots manipulate…

Programming self-efficacy plays an important role in promoting interest in programming education among teenagers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine to what extent family socioeconomic status, programming learning, programming teaching, and gender influence programming self-efficacy. A total of 851 upper-secondary-school students…

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) for programming learning based on information tutoring feedback (ITF) to provide real-time guidance and feedback to self-directed learners during programming problem-solving and to improve learners' computational thinking. Design/methodology/approach: By…

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being deeply integrated into human society. In the future, human collaboration with AI is inevitable. Therefore, exploring the attitudes of future workers--represented by current K-12 children--towards AI has become crucial. Robots stand as typical representatives of AI. Robot programming education is an important…

Computational thinking (CT) has attracted global research attention. However, the relationship between CT education and later aspirations in computing careers was less explored, and less attention was paid to understanding the intermediary role of computational identity. Based on social cognitive career theory, this study examined the…

This study examined the effects of virtual and physical robots (VPR) using in different learning stages (simple session/complex session) in a robotics programming course. A quasi-experimental design was implemented with 84 junior high school students from two classes. One class with 44 students used combination of VPR strategy for learning,…

This study examined whether socially shared regulation of learning (SSRL) enhances students' algorithmic thinking performance, promotes learning participation and improves students' learning attitudes through game-based collaborative learning. The students learned algorithmic knowledge and completed programing tasks using Kodu, a new visual…

Pair programming is a collaborative learning mode to foster novice learners' computer programming. Previous empirical research has reported contrasting conclusions about the effect of pair programming on student learning. To further understand students' pair programming, this study uses a mixed method to analyze three contrasting pairs'…

Background: Unplugged programming is proved to be an effective means to foster the learner-centered programming learning. In addition to the final tests, learners' programming knowledge, skills, and capacities are primarily demonstrated throughout the programming process, particularly in the situation when they encounter challenges and problems.…