Switch mode: How one environment supports multiple strategies to transition from block-based to text-based programming

Abstract

Switch mode blocks allow learners to write text-based commands inside of blocks within a conventional block-based programming environment. Switch mode blocks can be added by either directly drag-and-dropping them into a program or by right clicking a block and converting it into a Switch mode block. This scaffolded approach can support learners in transitioning from block-based programming to text-based programming. This paper presents an analysis of the eight distinct strategies that learners developed to compose programs using Switch mode blocks. This work contributes to our understanding of how we can design environments that support students of varying levels of prior experience and confidence in transitioning from introductory (block-based) to more powerful (text-based) programming modalities.

Ccs concepts

• Human-centered computing → Human computer interaction (HCI); Interactive systems and tools.