Learning computer programming: a study of the effectiveness of a COAC#

The learning of computer programming is difficult for many students, particularly to learn Iterative Control Structures and Data Structures. In order to improve the understanding of Loops, Strings and Arrays, a tool called COAC# was developed, to show in a graphic and animated form the loop functionality. Together with a practice, COAC# was used with a set of test cases so that the student can understand the result associated with each test case. This work in progress measures the effectiveness of COAC# tool, comparing the student's answers in a practice versus their performance in exams.