Switch Mode: Building a middle ground between Block-based and Text-based programming

Abstract

This paper introduces Switch mode, a design strategy to introduce a middle ground to support learners in transitioning from block-based to text-based programming. The Switch mode strategy allows learners to author text-based commands inside a block-based programs. Switch mode blocks can be added by directly dragging and dropping Switch mode blocks from the blocks pallet to the program canvas (Figure 1a) or by right clicking a conventional block and selecting the convert option (Figure 1b). In embedding a scaffolded way to introduce text-based programming in a blocks-based environment, Switch mode can meet the user at their current level of ability in blocks, while also help them move to more sophisticated and powerful programming languages. In providing a means for learns to tinker with text-based programming while still having the supports of block-based tools, Switch mode contributes a novel addition to the growing ecosystem of tools designed to transit novices to the practice of text-based programming.